PSG dominated Monaco last night in Ligue 1 play, winning 4-0 at the Stade Louis-II. With AS Monaco undergoing an identity crisis, a nursing ward overflowing with starters, and an adversary brimming with confidence, the PSG vs. Monaco match was practically decided before kick-off.
Dark skies hover above the Stade Louis II. AS Monaco, in their 13th Ligue 1 match this season, received league leaders Paris Saint Germain at home. In the first 12 matches of the season, Paris has won all competitions. Embattled Monaco, historically the stronger side with 24 wins versus 16 losses against PSG in Ligue in play, has struggled greatly so far. Their hopes going into the match were to cause a major upset and perhaps regain a smidge of confidence along the way.
An uphill battle
Entering the match hampered by a consequential number of injuries (14), including many to the core of starting players like Rony Lopes, Aleksandr Golovin, Moussa Sylla, Adama Traoré and Kamil Glik, Monaco resorted to a younger side. The hopeful Monégasques youth proved no match, however, for the machine that is PSG. The Monégasque nightmare continues, and the team remains 19th out of 20 on the Ligue 1 table.
It did not take long for PSG to begin their goal parade on foreign soil. Edinson Cavani, who has had a rather unimpressive run through the last few games, opened scoring in the 4th minute. The goal, initially called off-sides, was granted thanks to VAR replay. Minutes later, the Uruguayan international would renew his joy with another goal (11th), again confirmed with VAR technology. The teams would enter half-time with the score 2-0 in favor of PSG. Before the whistle blew, Monaco would endure yet another injury, this time to Nacer Chadli. Mboula replaced the midfielder in the 21st minute.
The second half brought more of the same. The Monégasque players wilted before a confident Parisian side. Mboula, Chadli’s replacement, left the game with a right thigh injury in the 50th minute. Shortly after, Cavani would turn his brace into a hat-trick, scoring off a ball headed by Rabiot in the 53rd minute. Adding insult to injury, Sidibé committed a foul on a darting Mbappé to offer PSG a penalty in the 64th minute. Neymar stutter-stepped and calmly placed his spot kick past young keeper Badiashile.
What comes next?
Manager Thierry Henry tried to remain positive in his post-match comments: “The players were present, they reacted. Even with all of our injuries, we created scoring opportunities against PSG. We’re going to continue fighting, working, and moving forwards. Our young players tried to make their mark. Isidor, Mboula and Massengo came in and they fought for the club. We have to remain positive.”
Monaco has a record 16 players on its injury chart.
Their next match is against Caen on November 24th.