AS Monaco won against FC Nantes on their home pitch at the Stade Louis-II on Saturday night, as part of the 25th day of Ligue 1 action. A victory that allows the club of the Principality to climb out of the relegation zone.
Finally some good news. Victorious against Nantes Saturday night, Monaco earns 3 vital Ligue 1 points and climbs to 16th place in the standings and out of the relegation red zone. The club has thus amassed 22 points in the general standings and leapfrogged both Dijon and Amiens with the win. The position shift makes for an excellent operation with much of the credit owed to a goal from recent recruit Gelson Martins.
Impressions from the match
The Monegasques were dangerous from the very start of the match. Fabregas sought to link up with a determined Falcao, but who was caught off guard by an unanticipated Tatarusanu coming off his line. The Colombian striker did not manage to concretize (9′), however, the action did set the tone for what was to come.
Monaco would once again show flashes 4 minutes later with a one-two pass combination involving Rony Lopes on the left flank. The Portuguese midfielder found himself in an ideal position hovering around the Nantes penalty area. He delivered a powerful center to the Nates back post where Gelson Martins would make contact and finish the collective action (1 ‘). ASM would maintain this 1-0 scoreline until halftime.
In the second half, Nantes would come out with a bit more organization, but it was not enough to keep Jardim’s men from threatening again. From a well-struck Fabregas corner, Djibril Sidibe rushed to the first post to redirect the ball with a glancing header. Falcao would just miss leading the ball into the net (61’). From there, the score did not change and Monaco left with a 1-0 victory. Their second win at home this season.
Good news indeed for Monaco who will fight to remain above the relegation zone through the remainder of the season.
Next match: Monaco-Lyon, Sunday, February 24th for the 26th day of Ligue 1 play.