AS Monaco handed champions Paris Saint-Germain F.C. their first home defeat of the season in Ligue 1 with an impressive 3–1 victory at Parc des Princes in Paris on Friday, reigniting the title race.
Maghnes Akliouche gave Monaco the lead in the 27th minute after capitalising on a poor clearance from Warren Zaïre-Emery inside the PSG penalty area. Folarin Balogun stepped aside to allow Akliouche a clear shot, and the French midfielder finished calmly from close range.
Monaco extended their advantage shortly after the interval when substitute Aleksandr Golovin scored with his first touch in the 55th minute, sweeping home a square pass from Mamadou Coulibaly.
PSG briefly threatened a comeback when Bradley Barcola pulled a goal back in the 71st minute with a right-footed strike from the left side of the box.
However, Monaco restored their two-goal cushion just two minutes later. Balogun’s effort deflected off Nuno Mendes before finding the back of the net.
The visitors nearly extended their lead further late in the match when Simon Adingra struck the crossbar two minutes from time.
Despite the defeat, PSG remain top of the Ligue 1 table, holding a four-point advantage over RC Lens, who have the opportunity to reduce the gap when they host FC Metz on Sunday.
The victory lifts Monaco to fifth place with 40 points, although they still trail PSG by 17 points.
PSG will now turn their attention to European competition as they prepare to host Chelsea F.C. next Wednesday while continuing their defence of the UEFA Champions League title.
