Ligue 1: Monaco Recover from Two-Goal Deficit to Earn 2-2 Draw at Nantes

Monaco came from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw at Nantes, denying the hosts back-to-back home wins in Ligue 1.

AS Monaco staged a remarkable comeback to secure a valuable 2-2 draw against struggling Nantes in Ligue 1. This hard-fought result maintained Monaco's impressive record against Nantes, with the principality side having suffered only one defeat in their last 23 league meetings (W15, D7).

Nantes, who had slipped into the Ligue 1 relegation zone following a dismal run of just one win in 13 top-flight matches (D5, L7), were eager to prove themselves against Monaco. Manager Antoine Kombouare had urged his team to “show that we can compete,” and his players responded positively, taking the lead in the 12th minute through Matthis Abline's confident finish.

The opening goal was the culmination of a well-crafted move, as Sorba Thomas delivered an inviting cross that found Abline, who slotted the ball into the bottom corner from 12 yards. This early strike gave Nantes a deserved lead, but Monaco's resilience would eventually pay off as they fought back to claim a share of the spoils.

Monaco refused to let the early setback deter them, gradually gaining momentum as the first half unfolded. Lamine Camara came agonizingly close to leveling the score with a powerful long-range effort, only to be denied by Anthony Lopes' impressive save.

As the opening period progressed, both teams created scoring opportunities in an intense and closely contested match. However, Monaco's Breel Embolo squandered a gilt-edged chance, directing a header wide of the target when perfectly positioned in the box. Nantes breathed a sigh of relief at the let-off, but their reprieve was short-lived.

The hosts capitalized on their good fortune, doubling their advantage just two minutes into the second half. Kelvin Amian clinically converted another precise cross from Sorba Thomas, slamming the ball home at the near post. However, Monaco's response was swift and decisive, as Embolo atoned for his earlier miss by expertly sweeping the ball past Lopes to halve the deficit just five minutes later.

Monaco completed their remarkable comeback on the hour mark, as Mohammed Salisu expertly headed home Lamine Camara's corner from the six-yard box. This equalizing goal marked a stunning turnaround for Adi Hutter's side, who had trailed by two goals earlier in the match.

Nantes and Monaco draw in a 4-goal showdown 🤩💪 pic.twitter.com/OOiKfZbsf3

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) January 10, 2025

With the score now level, Monaco pushed forward in pursuit of a winning goal, but despite their efforts, it was Nantes who came closest to securing a late victory. Moses Simon's powerful strike rattled the crossbar, leaving the hosts agonizingly close to claiming all three points.

The match ultimately ended in a 2-2 stalemate, denying Nantes the chance to record back-to-back home wins for the first time since October 2023. Meanwhile, Monaco's title aspirations appear to be fading, with this draw marking their third consecutive league match without a win (D2, L1).