AS Monaco avoided the Champions League hangover to beat Le Havre (3-1) at the Stade Louis II on Sunday and go top of Ligue 1.
There was a feeling of the day after the night before at the Stade Louis II. After the euphoria of Thursday night, where Monaco signed their return to the Champions League with a victory over Barcelona, it was a quieter affair as they welcomed Le Havre.
There is always a fear after such big European nights that there will be a drop-off but early on there didn’t look to be a question of that being the case as Les Monégasques raced into a lead through an unexpected source – Jordan Teze. The summer signing was in the right place to tap home Takumi Minamino’s ball across the goal line.
However, thereafter, there was evidence of a hangover as the intensity dropped and Le Havre were allowed to gain a foothold in the game. “I had the feeling that we allowed the game to slip out of our hands. We were too passive,” analysed Adi Hütter post-match.
Disallowed goal ‘the turning point’
Daler Kuzyayev netted a deserved equaliser for Le Havre, mid-way through the first half as Monaco, through their new-look midfield duo of Lamine Camara and Soungoutou Magassa failed to exert the levels of control so often evidenced by the Principality club this season.
It didn’t come as a huge surprise when both gave way at half time, replaced by captain Denis Zakaria and Eliesse Ben Seghir. Whilst those substitutes would pay dividends, they would not do so immediately.
Upon the return from the dressing room, Monaco were given a scare as Josué Casimir gave the visitors a surprise lead, latching onto Yassine Kechta’s through ball and finishing past Philipp Köhn.
However, the game was ruled out for a minute offside. “It was the turning point in the match,” reflected Le Havre manager Didier Digard post-match. Monaco were patient in the second half and their patience, as well as their intense pressing, was rewarded.
Wilfried Singo won the ball back high in the La Havre half, feeding Ben Seghir, who still had plenty to do, but cut inside and launched an impressive curled effort past Arthur Desmas and into the top corner.
Balogun ends unwanted run
Monaco effectively ended the game moments later. Once again, it was a ball recovery deep inside Le Havre’s side, this time from Zakaria, which created the opportunity. He fed George Ilenikhena, who found Folarin Balogun. The USMNT forward, short on confidence having not yet scored this season, took the first-time finish well.
That goal brought an end to an unwanted record for Balogun, whose last goal at the Stade Louis II came against Olympique de Marseille on 30th September 2023. “Today is like a weight off his chest. It’s a really nice feeling for him,” said Hütter.
Monaco succeeded in seeing the game out, avoiding a potential banana skin and going top of the table after Paris Saint-Germain drew to Stade de Reims on Saturday evening.
“First of all, I’m really happy for his victory. It is a very important one when you see the results from yesterday. But I wasn’t happy; it wasn’t our best performance today. These are the most difficult games, the ones that follow wins against [the likes of] Barcelona,” said Hütter.
Described as “an important step” by CEO Thiago Scuro, this victory could be a key one if they are to challenge PSG for the Ligue 1 title.
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Photo source: AS Monaco / Icon Sport
