With the team’s president, Dmitry Rybolovlev, watching on, AS Monaco clinched an important victory against RC Lens over the weekend that has propelled the Monegasque side back into the top three of the Ligue 1 rankings.
After a disappointing defeat at home to Toulouse, Monaco was eager to bounce back and demonstrate the fighting spirit that saw them triumph in the Derby against Nice earlier in the month.
The match against Lens, a team just eliminated from the Europa League by Fribourg, but still a formidable opponent in Ligue 1, was seen as a perfect opportunity for redemption.
Match highlights
Monaco quickly took control, with Folarin Balogun opening the scoring in the 19th minute. Despite doubling their lead thanks to a Takumi Minamino goal minutes later, Lens narrowed the gap soon after.
The second half saw Lens land an equaliser, but Minamino came through with a final third goal for the Rouges et Blancs to finish the game 2-3.
Coach Adi Hütter praised his team’s performance, saying, “It was a hell of a game between two teams that fought hard… It’s fantastic to come here and win, everyone enjoyed it, even the Lens fansm who must be disappointed.”
Mohammed Salisu, an AS Monaco defender, reflected on one of the match’s most climactic moments, saying, “It’s very difficult to score in this stadium, so when Taki [Minamino] did it, everyone exploded.”
AS Monaco’s ability to secure points against top-half teams has been a real strength this season, with only Paris Saint-Germain outperforming them in this regard.
As the season progresses, Monaco’s sights will be set on maintaining – or improving – their podium position and continuing their challenge for the highest honours in French football.
The next League 1 match is scheduled for 1st March against Paris Saint-Germain at home in the Stade Louis II.
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Photo credit: AS Monaco Foot