Ligue 1: Monaco Stages Dramatic Comeback to Defeat Strasbourg 3-1

Monaco Seeks Revival After Falling Behind to Strasbourg

 “It wasn't a good first half, we could have done better, that's for sure. It's a great victory and three very...”

Monaco enters international break on high note after thrilling comeback win, aiming to carry momentum into crucial matches vs. Brest and Benfica.

AS Monaco pulled off a stunning comeback, overturning a 1-0 deficit in the final 12 minutes to triumph 3-1 over RC Strasbourg in a thrilling encounter.

Manager Adi Hutter made minimal adjustments to the lineup that defeated Bologna, introducing Takumi Minamino and Caio Henrique into the starting XI for this pivotal matchup.

The tactical move paid dividends as Monaco's late surge saw them score three crucial goals, sealing a remarkable victory and snatching all three points.

AS Monaco, seeking to end a three-match winless drought in Ligue 1, burst out of the gates with a spirited start. Breel Embolo nearly gave them an early lead with a header, setting the tone for an intense encounter.

Strasbourg swiftly countered, with Dilane Bakwa and Sekou Mara unleashing promising attempts to test Monaco's defense. The visitors' momentum was temporarily halted when Embolo found himself one-on-one with Djordje Petrovic, but the Strasbourg goalkeeper made a spectacular save to deny the Swiss forward.

Monaco's frustration grew as they were made to pay for Embolo's missed opportunity. Guela Doue capitalized on the ASM's misfortune, slotting home the opener for Strasbourg just before the half-hour mark to give Liam Rosenior's side a surprise lead.

The first half concluded with a burst of offensive activity, as Maghnes Akliouche and Vanderson narrowly missed the target for Monaco, while Bakwa capitalized on Lamine Camara's mistake to test the opposition's defense.

Trailing at halftime, Adi Hutter made a bold double substitution, introducing Christian Mawissa and George Ilenikhena to revitalize Monaco's attack.

The strategic changes nearly paid off immediately, as Vanderson and Camara unleashed potent shots. However, Strasbourg's Doue threatened to extend the hosts' lead.

The momentum shifted decisively in Monaco's favor courtesy of Eliesse Ben Seghir's brilliance. The young sensation earned a penalty and subsequently converted it with precision, leveling the score.

Ben Seghir's equalizer galvanized Monaco, setting the stage for a thrilling comeback.

Monaco sealed their stunning comeback victory with a dramatic finish. Eliesse Ben Seghir showcased his composure, netting the go-ahead goal in the 89th minute with a classy finish. George Ilenikhena then added a stoppage-time strike, securing a thrilling 3-1 triumph for the visitors.

Adi Hutter, Monaco's Austrian manager, expressed his thoughts on the match: “It wasn't a good first half, we could have done better, that's for sure. It's a great victory and three very important points for us, after two defeats in a row in the league.” He also acknowledged Strasbourg's performance, saying, “I also want to salute Strasbourg for their performance.”

Hutter praised his team's second-half display: “But when we came out on the pitch in the second half, I was really impressed with my team and what we showed. Both teams have a lot of young talent in their squads, which is fun to watch, but ultimately we deserved the win today.” He emphasized his team's growth, stating, “Sometimes we have to accept criticism, like when we played Angers with a brand of football that wasn't ours.”

The Austrian tactician concluded, “I remain very happy and proud of my team for what they did tonight, especially in the second half. This is the direction we want to go in, we want to develop our young players. It's November, sometimes we struggle because we can't win every game, even if that's our primary desire. After two defeats, I liked this reaction today and it makes me very happy.”

Monaco's thrilling comeback victory has provided a significant boost in momentum, propelling them into the international break on a high note.

The Principality club can now build on their recent successes, both in European competition and domestically, as they prepare for pivotal clashes against Brest and Benfica upon their return.

With confidence restored, Adi Hutter's side will aim to maintain their upward trajectory, leveraging the break to recharge and refocus before resuming their pursuit of glory.