On 29 November, at Stade Louis‑II AS Monaco has pulled of a victory against world beaters PSG 1–0 in a Ligue 1 showdown.
The only goal came deep in the second half: a composed strike by Takumi Minamino, his third league goal of the season, after a clever combination built by Monaco.
The win is even more significant because it ended PSG’s relatively dominant run. This was only their second defeat in Ligue 1 all season.
Monaco’s Game Plan – Grit, Strategy & Resilience
Monaco approached the game with a clear mindset to fight hard, stay compact, and exploit PSG’s vulnerabilities.
Manager Sébastien Pocognoli stuck with a 4-2-3-1 formation, similar to the one used recently in Europe, but made subtle tweaks. Monaco aimed to press hard and keep the pressure constant.
From the start, Monaco looked the more determined side: early corners, quick transitions, and disciplined defending. Their energy and sense of purpose didn’t fade, even as the match wore on.
In short: not at all a fluke, but a fully earned hard-fought victory, built on effort, planning, and seizing the moment.
Build-up & Context: Why This Match Mattered
Just days earlier, Monaco had played to a draw in Europe against Pafos in the Champions League, a match played far away from home and under difficult circumstances.
Meanwhile, PSG arrived after a successful 2024–25 campaign including domestic plus European success.
For Monaco this was more than a league game: it was an opportunity to prove they can compete with, and beat, Europe’s elite Champions, even under pressure and shortly after an exhausting European trip.
What This Win Means For Monaco & For PSG
For Monaco it is a major confidence boost. Beating PSG, at home, in a hard-fought battle, and under tactical discipline shows that the team is capable of competing at the very top. It could be a turning point for their season.
For PSG it is a stark reminder that past laurels and squad depth aren’t enough. Fatigue and perhaps complacency cost them. This defeat may force reflection and adjustments if they want to stay title contenders.
For Ligue 1: The result adds unpredictability back into the title race. Monaco reasserts itself as dangerous.
Standout Performers for Monaco
Monaco’s victory was driven by collective discipline rather than individual showmanship, but several decisive contributions stood out. Takumi Minamino made the difference with a calm, well-taken goal in the second half, converting one of Monaco’s clearest attacking moves. Aleksandr Golovin was influential higher up the pitch, providing the key pass in the build-up and linking midfield to attack with intelligence. Defensively, Monaco operated as a solid unit, remaining compact and organised to limit PSG’s threat, while the goalkeeper Lukáš Hradecký and back line did enough to preserve a hard-earned clean sheet in a tightly contested encounter.
Tactically, Monaco’s compact block and aggressive pressing disrupted PSG throughout the night. By closing central spaces and forcing PSG wide, they neutralised the visitors’ usual rhythm and exposed a lack of creativity. PSG struggled to link midfield and attack, often circulating the ball harmlessly without penetration, and their chances lacked conviction. PSG did have 17 shots, but only four tested Monaco’s keeper, and they failed to convert dominance into real threat.
Monaco’s discipline, energy and tactical maturity ultimately highlighted the gap on the night, a lesson in collective cohesion overcoming individual brilliance. Three important points secured against the European Champions. Go the Red and Whites!
