It was a victory as stunning as it was unexpected! While they were surprised in the first half by a very enterprising RC Strasbourg, the AS Monaco players were patient enough to turn the match around and win at the Stade de la Meinau (1-3). It was a precious win, which allows AS Monaco to take back second place in the top flight from OM.
The context
The Rouge et Blanc approached this trip to Alsace with the desire to confirm their strong play in Bologna in the Champions League (0-1). After three games without a win in Ligue 1, the teammates of Thilo Kehrer, who scored in Italy, needed to get going again. It would be a challenging task, facing a team still undefeated at home (3 wins, 2 draws).
The XI
To meet this challenge, coach Adi Hütter played the same 4-2-3-1 system as he had against the Rossoblù, with only two changes: Caio Henrique and Takumi Minamino returned to the starting eleven, with the the Camara – Magassa duo once again be responsible for leading the Monaco midfield.
The scenario
Supported by nearly 500 supporters who had travelled to the Meinau, the Rouge et Blanc made their mark right away with a header from Breel Embolo (6′), eefore the Alsatians responded with Dilane Bakwa firing over the crossbar (13′) before Sékou Mara had a chance saved by Majecki (15′). But the most obvious opportunity was to be credited to the Swiss international striker, perfectly played in by Taki’, only to lose his one-on-one with Petrovic (18′).
The scenario
Supported by nearly 500 supporters who had travelled to the Meinau, the Rouge et Blanc made their mark right away with a header from Breel Embolo (6′), eefore the Alsatians responded with Dilane Bakwa firing over the crossbar (13′) before Sékou Mara had a chance saved by Majecki (15′). But the most obvious opportunity was to be credited to the Swiss international striker, perfectly played in by Taki’, only to lose his one-on-one with Petrovic (18′).
Changes at the break
At half-time, the Monegasque coach made two changes, bringing on Christian Mawissa and George Ilenikhena. But it was the Alsatians who had the first chance, on a shot by Doué (53′), just before a low shot by Vandi’ (58th). It was a big scare for Racing at the other end, on a direct free kick by Lamine Camara from 20 meters, which nearly found the top corner (60′).
A little bit of luck
The hosts then tried to waste time, until a double chance for Eliesse Ben Seghir. The latter first saw his shot from close range blocked by Doukouré (73′), before being prevented from equalizing by Moreira’s hand on his recovery (75′). But VAR called to the referee, who logically gave a penalty to the Monegasques, which the attacking midfielder converted himself (1-1, 79′)!
A crazy end to the match!
It was a third goal this season in Ligue 1 for the number 7. But it wasn’t over, because the match was to become completely crazy, when Vanderson found Maghnes Akliouche on a magnificent switch. The latter then set up Ben Seghir for his double (1-2, 89′)!
AS Monaco pushed hard and would even widen the gap through George Ilenikhena, a killer on the counterattack on a good recovery. The die was cast, the Red and Whites set the enclosure alight and validate a 7th success in Ligue 1 to temporarily return to three points from PSG. Time for the truce now. DAGHE MUNEGU!!!
Source: www.asmonaco.com
