Trailing early in the second half, the Red and Whites found the strength to overturn the deficit against Metz in stoppage time thanks to Ansu Fati (1-2). A precious victory that puts them back in contention for European qualification.
They have returned to winning ways. Focused and disciplined against FC Metz in the 32nd round of Ligue 1 McDonald’s, AS Monaco’s players secured a victory and climbed to sixth place in the league, ahead of Olympique de Marseille (1-2). This important win was achieved in front of President Dmitry Rybolovlev, who was present at the Stade Saint-Symphorien.
THE CONTEXT
On a run of three matches unbeaten after being held to a draw by Toulouse last weekend (2-2), AS Monaco looked to bounce back in Metz, to continue to dream of finishing in the top 5. They can rely on recent history as they have won 15 of the last 16 encounters against this team, who were currently bottom of Ligue 1.
THE XI
At the start of this 32nd matchday, Sébastien Pocognoli maintained his 3-4-2-1 formation, with Paul Pogba making his first start of the season in midfield alongside Lamine Camara. Aleksandr Golovin returned to the starting eleven, while Denis Zakaria was once again positioned in central defense alongside Thilo Kehrer and Christian Mawissa.
THE SCENARIO
In front of a packed away section of over 400 Monaco supporters, the match began cautiously, and it wasn’t until the 20th minute that Paul Pogba unleashed a long-range shot that narrowly missed the target. After this tentative period, the game opened up, with Maghnes Akliouche’s shot grazing the post (28th minute). At the other end, Jessy Deminguet’s header (29th minute) and Gauthier Hein’s effort also went wide (30th minute).
A TWIST OF FATE ON A FREE KICK
Before the break, the Rouge et Blanc pushed forward and try to make the difference, but Aleksandr Golovin’s backheel and Denis Zakaria’s long-range shot were blocked (41′). The first half thus ends with the score still 0-0. Unfortunately, immediately after the restart, FC Metz opened the scoring through Jessy Deminguet’s header from a free kick (1-0, 49′).
AN IN-FORM BALOGUN EQUALIZES
Despite this setback, Monaco refused to give up, and the French international’s shot was saved by Pape Sy, who dived to his right (51′). Nathan Mbala, however, was a thorn in their side, firing over the bar (53′). This proved a wake-up call, as Folarin Balogun equalized a few minutes later with a shot into the far corner (1-1, 61′). It was his 13th Ligue 1 goal of the season and his ninth in the last ten matches! The striker then came close to a second, but his shot went over the bar (66′).
CHANCES AT BOTH ENDS
The Rouge et Blanc had the upper hand but must be wary of Benjamin Stambouli’s effort which was just wide of the post (72′), while Gauthier Hein’s header then crashed against the woodwork (80′). Sébastien Pocognoli played his last cards and brought on Caio Henrique for his return to competition (84′). The latter immediately makes his mark with a corner that found Thilo Kehrer’s head, but it was over the bar (84′).
ANSU FATI DELIVERS A WINNER!
Both teams pressed for the lead, and Terry Yegbe’s header was wide (89′). Fortunately, super-sub Ansu Fati had better luck; set up by Caio Henrique, he beat Pape Sy and put AS Monaco ahead in stoppage time (1-2, 91′)!
It was a decisive tenth goal in the league, as the Rouge et Blanc held firm and secured the victory moments later. Thanks to this result, they moved up to sixth place, provisionally three points off the podium. DAGHE MUNEGU!!!
Source: www.asmonaco.com
