Pocognoli’s men who were reduced to 10 defeated Luis Enrique’s PSG 1-0 through a moment of brilliance, ending their 3-mat h losing streak in the French Ligue 1. Both teams had contrasting performances in the last HEFA Champions League outing – Monaco drew with Pafos, and PSG won in an eight-goal brawl against English side, Tottenham.
Match Overview
Despite their performances in the midweek UEFA Champions League, Monaco dominated the game early on today as Mohammed Salisu saw his volley saved by PSG’s Lucas Chevalier.
PSG later gained control and created several chances but were unlucky as they couldn’t beat Lukas Hradecky. Vitinha’s chance was a significant part of the visitor’s game as his low drive from the edge of the box was saved by Hradecky.
Monaco were also very vibrant going forward but Chavelier was phenomenal at keeping them at bay. The shot stopper denied Takumi Minamino an opener just before Salisu found the back of the net but this goal was ruled out for offside.
At the start of the second period, Monaco picked up where they left off as Vanderson fired at goal. The Parisians then struggled to get back into the contest but Monaco claimed full control and got the opener in the 68th minute, when Aleksandr Golovin was released down the left and he swung a cross into the box which Minamino superbly put under his control before slotting it past Chevalier.
Although the prospects seemed promising for Monaco, PSG tested their strength in the final 10 minutes after Thilo Kehrer was shown a red card denying Ibrahim Mbaye a goal scoring opportunity by hauling him down. Regardless, the visitors were unable to capitalize on the numerical advantage.
Implications of the result for both teams
This victory lifts the Monégasques up into the European places and just a point behind the top four, while PSG may move to third place if Marseille and Lens who are yet to play are victorious in their games.
Upcoming fixtures
Monaco:
Brest vs Monaco – 5 December 19:00 Ligue 1
Monaco vs Galatasaray – 9 December 21:00 UEFA Champions League
PSG:
PSG vs Rennes – 6 December 21:05 Ligue 1
Ath Bilbao vs PSG – 10 December 21:00 UEFA Champions League
