Ligue 1: Monaco Edges Strasbourg in Thrilling 3-2 Win
Monaco edges Strasbourg 3-2 in a dramatic Ligue 1 match, with Takumi Minamino scoring the winning goal in the 96th minute. Monaco remains unbeaten in 10 league matches.
Strasbourg struggled to create clear chances in the early stages, with Emanuel Emegha's absence...
Takumi Minamino scored a 96th-minute winner as Monaco secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Strasbourg. The win extends Monaco's unbeaten run in the league to 10 matches, comprising nine wins and one draw.
Monaco dominated the early stages, with Folarin Balogun hitting the side netting. They took the lead in the sixth minute when Maghnes Akliouche tapped in after Mike Penders lost possession under pressure from Balogun, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
Strasbourg struggled to create clear chances in the early stages, with Emanuel Emegha's absence noticeable. However, they finally forced Lukas Hradecky into action in the 23rd minute. The Finnish goalkeeper made an incredible save, getting his gloves on Diego Moreira's first-time shot despite being surrounded by players.
Just before halftime, Strasbourg thought they had equalized when Joaquin Panichelli headed the ball past Hradecky. However, referee Benoît Bastien consulted the VAR and ruled the goal out for offside, denying Strasbourg a potential lifeline.
Strasbourg struggled to create clear chances in the early stages, with Emanuel Emegha's absence noticeable. However, they finally forced Lukas Hradecky into action in the 23rd minute. The Finnish goalkeeper made an incredible save, getting his gloves on Diego Moreira's first-time shot despite being surrounded by players.
AS Monaco takes the win after a dramatic match! 🇲🇨👏 pic.twitter.com/iWvcN2WYlc
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) August 31, 2025
Just before halftime, Strasbourg thought they had equalized when Joaquin Panichelli headed the ball past Hradecky. However, referee Benoît Bastien consulted the VAR and ruled the goal out for offside, denying Strasbourg a potential lifeline.
Folarin Balogun continued to cause problems for Strasbourg goalkeeper Mike Penders as halftime approached. Although Penders managed to block Balogun's effort with a well-timed leg stretch, the Chelsea loanee's persistence paid off shortly after the break. In the 48th minute, Balogun received a defense-splitting pass from Lamine Camara and clinically slotted the ball past Penders, doubling Monaco's lead.
The second goal further solidified Monaco's control over the match, putting Strasbourg under increasing pressure to find a response. Despite their efforts, Strasbourg struggled to create clear-cut chances against Monaco's solid defense.
Monaco nearly extended their lead moments later, but Mika Biereth's goal was ruled out for offside after VAR intervention. However, Strasbourg seized the opportunity to mount a comeback, and their efforts paid off in stunning fashion. Substitute Dilane Bakwa scored a brilliant half-volley to reduce the deficit, showcasing his skill and precision.
The momentum shifted further in Strasbourg's favor when Caio Henrique committed a needless foul on Bakwa in the penalty area. Joaquin Panichelli stepped up and scored the resulting penalty, sending Lukas Hradecky the wrong way and leveling the score. The dramatic turn of events set up a thrilling finale.
Kendry Paez threatened to snatch a late equalizer for Strasbourg, but Philipp Kohn, who replaced the injured Lukas Hradecky, made a crucial save to deny the opportunity. In the end, Monaco's dominance paid off as Takumi Minamino scored the winning goal, heading in Maghnes Akliouche's precise cross at the back post to secure all three points for his team.
Strasbourg's evening took a turn for the worse when Rabby Nzingoula was sent off late on for denying a clear scoring opportunity. This setback added to the frustration of their defeat.
Despite the loss, Strasbourg can take heart from their identical record to Monaco's this season, with two wins and one loss. Monaco, meanwhile, are off to a confident start, building on last season's third-place finish and hoping to continue their strong form.
Monaco 3-2 Strasbourg, with Takumi Minamino scoring the decisive goal in the 96th minute.
Match Highlight
- Monaco's Comeback: After being pegged back twice, Monaco's persistence paid off with Minamino's decisive header in the 90+6' minute.
- Strasbourg's Dramatic Equalizer: Strasbourg staged a remarkable comeback, with Dilane Bakwa scoring a brilliant half-volley and Joaquin Panichelli converting a penalty to level the score at 2-2.
- Early Lead: Monaco initially took the lead with Folarin Balogun's clinical finish after a defensive mistake from Strasbourg's Mike Penders.
No comments:
Leave comment here