Almost a year to the day that Rodez knocked AS Monaco out of the Coupe de France in the first round, the Principality side turned history on its head with a hat trick from Wissam Ben Yedder that sees the Rouges et Blancs safely through to the Round of 16.  

In a match that took place over the weekend, AS Monaco proved themselves against rivals Rodez, who famously beat the Monegasque team in a tough penalty shootout last year at the Stade Louis II, knocking them out of the Coupe de France in the very first round. 

In their most recent face-off at the Stade Paul Lignon on 20th January, Monaco scored in the 10th minute with a penalty won by Folarin Balogun that was converted into a goal by the captain, Ben Yedder. Then it was Rodez’s turn, who equalised with a header by Stone Mambo just over 10 minutes later. 

Folarin Balogun then had a goal disallowed for AS Monaco just before half-time, leaving the teams level as they went into the changing rooms.  

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During the break, manager Adi Hütter made the decision to bring on Maghnes Akliouche.  

“It was an attacking choice that paid off, since in the wake of Vandi’s curling effort that was off-target (49′), Wissam Ben Yedder would benefit from good work by Balogun to finish into an empty goal (1-2, 51′),” said a spokesperson for the side in the aftermath. “Our Number 10 had his double, and then shortly thereafter a hat trick, on a very good cross from Kassoum Ouattara, who had already been decisive against Lens (1-3, 58′)!” 

It was Ben Yedder’s first hat trick in the Coupe de France and the 250th goal in his career.  

Monaco had another few attempts at a goal, but left the pitch 1-3.

The win takes them through to the Round of 16 in the tournament, which will see the Monegasque side next challenge Rouen. The match is set to take place at the Stade Robert-Diochon on 8th February.

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Photo credit: AS Monaco FC