Monaco’s Impressive Ligue 1 Streak Ends with Heavy Loss to Paris FC

Facing a challenging schedule with four of their final six matches against top-half teams, Paris was keen for a strong opening to solidify their mid-table position, and they certainly delivered, racing to a two-goal lead within the first eight minutes.

Monaco struggled to cope with the speed of Moses Simon on the left flank, who cut inside and delivered a low cross that Jonathan Ikoné finished off at the back post.

The visitors barely had time to recover when they were cut apart on the opposite wing, with Ikoné heavily involved again.

A precise link-up with Marshall Munetsi enabled the Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee to set up Ciro Immobile, who confidently slotted in his second goal in as many matches.

Lukas Hradecky and Wout Faes combined to thwart Maxime Lopez, preventing Monaco from trailing by three after Paris tore through their defence yet again, but this was merely a momentary reprieve.

Key saves from Kevin Trapp against Simon Adingra and Ansu Fati proved crucial as the hosts launched a dazzling counter-attack that ended with Immobile finding Ikoné, allowing the winger to notch his second goal of the evening in a nearly identical manner to his first.

Lopez then shot wide, but Sébastien Pocognoli’s stunned side managed to regroup and assert pressure before half-time.

Folarin Balogun squandered a golden opportunity at the back post, but soon after he scored, thanks to a pass from Aladji Bamba, becoming the first player since Neymar in 2022 to score in seven consecutive Ligue 1 matches.

With momentum on their side, Monaco pushed on, but Trapp denied Fati once more just before half-time, perhaps offering a respite before the break.

Upon the restart, Antoine Kombouaré’s squad returned to their attacking flair; however, their clinical touch was lacking, leading to several promising counter-attacks that fizzled out.

The substitution of Paul Pogba, making his first appearance since December, initially lifted Monaco’s spirits, but just two minutes later, they conceded again, putting the match out of reach.

Just six minutes after coming on, Luca Koleosho unleashed a powerful shot from distance, leaving Hradecky no chance as the ball hit the underside of the crossbar and went in.

This goal sealed Paris’ largest victory of the season, creating a comfortable 12-point cushion from the relegation zone and extending their unbeaten streak to seven matches.

For Monaco, this defeat marked their first loss in Ligue 1 since January, thwarting their attempts to surge into the top three, while their poor record in away matches played on Mondays extended to just one win out of ten.