In a stunning Ligue 1 upset, AS Monaco delivered a major blow to Paris Saint-Germain's title defence, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory at the Stade Louis II on Saturday. The reigning European champions were left reeling after a solitary goal from Japanese international Takumi Minamino decided the contest.
Minamino's Moment of Magic Sinks Champions
The match's defining moment arrived in the 65th minute, just past the midway point of the second half. Takumi Minamino, the 30-year-old former Liverpool attacker, showcased his class by expertly controlling a cross from teammate Aleksandr Golovin before calmly slotting the ball past PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. The goal proved to be the winner, inflicting only the second domestic league defeat of the season on the capital club.
Monaco's triumph was far from straightforward. Their task was complicated when former PSG defender Thilo Kehrer received a red card in the 80th minute following a VAR review for a foul on Ibrahim Mbaye. Despite being a man down and facing seven anxious minutes of stoppage time, the Monaco defence held firm to secure a priceless three points.
PSG Coach Enrique Laments 'Worst Match of the Season'
A visibly frustrated PSG manager, Luis Enrique, did not hold back in his post-match assessment. He stated, "Usually I prefer to watch matches again and analyse them, but today it is easier. We were not precise enough and we made too many individual and collective mistakes." He conceded that "Neither team played at a very high level, but they played better than us. It was without any doubt our worst match of the season."
PSG's performance was hampered by several key absences. The team was far from full strength, missing Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, and Desire Doue. Furthermore, Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele managed only just over thirty minutes as a substitute as he continues to regain match fitness during an injury-plagued season.
League Standings Shake-Up and Notable Cameo
This surprise result has significant implications for the Ligue 1 table. PSG remains top for now with 30 points from 14 games, but their lead is now a precarious two points. Their closest rivals, Marseille and Lens, have the opportunity to overtake them. Marseille can go top with a win against Toulouse, while Lens can leapfrog PSG with a victory at Angers on Sunday.
For Monaco, the victory is a massive morale booster, ending a damaging run of three consecutive Ligue 1 losses. They provisionally climbed to sixth place, now seven points behind PSG. In a positive side note for the hosts, Paul Pogba made another brief cameo appearance off the bench, building on his first competitive appearance in over two years following a doping ban.
This defeat means PSG have now already suffered as many Ligue 1 losses this season as they did in each of the previous two full campaigns, a statistic that will cause concern for the champions.
