Level with PSG at the break thanks to Denis Zakaria’s fourth goal of the season, the Rouge et Blanc then conceded in three times in the second period at the Parc, losing 4-1.
Despite a huge outpouring of energy, the Rouge et Blanc lost to the undefeated Parisians who remain more alone than ever at the top of Ligue 1. This advanced fixture, played as part of the 21st matchday in Ligue 1 was played out under the eyes of President Dmitry Rybolovlev, who was present at the Parc des Princes.
The context
On two leages wins in a row after beating Rennes (3-2) and Auxerre (4-2), the players of AS Monaco approached this clash against PSG with confidence and ambition. And it would take that to face a team still undefeated in France this season and which is “one of the best in Europe at the moment”, according to Adi Hütter.
The XI
In order to approach this big match of the 21st matchday of Ligue 1, the Monegasque manager reintroduced the 4-4-2 system which had worked perfectly during the second half against AJ Auxerre. Thus, Breel Embolo and Mika Biereth once again started in in attack, supported by Maghnes Akliouche and Takumi Minamino. Caio Henrique also found a starting place on the left flank, while Christian Mawissa played in central defense alongside Thilo Kehrer.
The scenario
In front of a full Monaco away end filled with 1,000 supporters, the Rouge et Blanc created the first opportunity of the game through Takumi Minamino but the latter came up short against Gianluigi Donnarumma (5′). Shortly thereafter, Désiré Doué obtained a free kick on the edge of the area which was unfortunately scored by Vitinha (6′).
Captain Zak’ for the equalizer
Despite this early opening of the score, Adi Hütter’s men were unbowed and were rewarded at the end of the first quarter of an hour. On a marvel of collective play, Soungoutou Magassa found Denis Zakaria, who finished with the help of the post (17′), scoring his fourth goal of the season in all competitions.
The match was lively and Bradley Barcola sees his goal logically disallowed because the ball had gone out beforehand (27′). AS Monaco responded and its Japanese international crosses in front of the goal but Mika Biereth was just short (36′). Ousmane Dembélé and his fellow former Rennes player tried in turn (38′), (45+1′). It was without success and halftime came with the score level (1-1).
Three challenging minutes
After the restart, as usual, the Parisians had a monopoly on the ball and would succeed in breaking the game open in barely three minutes. First there was Khvicha Kvaratshkhelia who, after faking an attempt, of shot, scored from close range (54′), before yet another goal by the top scorer in the French top flight, Dembélé, at the near post (57th). It was tough… In the meantime, the Monaco goalkeeper had kept out a shot from the Georgian (56′).
A debut for Al-Musrati
After these challenging few minutes, Adi Hütter made a triple change with the entries of Aleksandr Golovin, Eliesse Ben Seghir and Moatasem Al-Musrati for his debut (63′). This rotation rebalanced the match but did not prevent the club from the Capital from showing itself to be dangerous again, as Fabian Ruiz shot wide (73′) before Dembélé was denied by Radek’ (74′).
The AS Monaco goalkeeper then won his duel against Gonçalo Ramos with a fingertip save (84′), before Golo’ sent in a powerful strike from 30 meters which was caught by Donnarumma (85′). The last word finally went to PSG, who scored a fourth goal by Dembélé just added time (90′).
Lift our heads against Benfica
This was the last chance of the match, which ended with a score of 4-1 in favor of Paris. While waiting for the results of the weekend, the Rouge et Blanc remain provisionally third before hosting Nantes next Saturday (19:00). But before that, it will be time for the Champions League as the team welcomes Benfica to the Stade Louis-II on Wednesday (21:00).
Source: www.asmonaco.com
