Monaco's Moroccan gem not letting PSG widen the gap

Monaco secured their first Ligue 1 win in over a month, thanks to a late double from Eliesse Ben Seghir, defeating Strasbourg 3-1 at Stade de la Meinau and handing the hosts their first home loss of the season.

Both teams entered this match looking to bounce back from unexpected shutout losses to recently promoted sides. Monaco had suffered a narrow defeat to Angers, while Strasbourg had failed to find the net for the first time this season in a disappointing showing against Saint-Étienne. Monaco started with intent, but Breel Embolo missed two early opportunities, including a close-range effort that Đorđe Petrović easily saved. Strasbourg capitalized on these missed chances, with Guela Doué threading a precise shot inside the far post following skillful footwork, putting the hosts ahead just before the 30-minute mark.

Strasbourg, eager to maintain their unbeaten home record, stood strong against Monaco’s continued pressure and even came close to doubling their lead before halftime when Dilane Bakwa missed narrowly in a one-on-one with the keeper.

After halftime, Adi Hütter brought on fresh legs for Monaco, yet Strasbourg remained the more threatening side as they pressed to increase their lead. But Monaco slowly began to find their rhythm and finally broke through in the 80th minute when a clear handball by Diego Moreira on the goal line awarded them a penalty. Ben Seghir confidently converted from the spot, leveling the score and setting the stage for a thrilling finale. In a rapid counter-attack, Ben Seghir found the net again just minutes later, driving in a low shot from Maghnes Akliouche’s precise left-wing pass.

Strasbourg’s defense then faltered straight from the restart when Saïdou Sow lost possession, allowing George Ilenikhena to storm through and seal the win with Monaco’s third goal. The defeat leaves Strasbourg mid-table after 11 rounds, three points shy of the top six. Meanwhile, Monaco’s crucial three points put them within three points of PSG, temporarily closing the gap at the top of the table.

LIGUE 1 - MATCHDAY 11

Friday

Olympique Marseille - Auxerre 1-3 (0-3)

/Greenwood 64 pen - Sinayoko 10, Perrin 43, Traore 45/

Saturday

Strasbourg - Monaco 1-3 (1-0)

/Doue 29 - Ben Seghir 79 pen, 89, Ilenikhena 90+1/

21:00: (1.60) Lens (3.70) Nantes (6.25)

23:00: (10.5) Angers (6.75) PSG (1.28)

Sunday

17:00: (2.55) Nice (3.20) Lille (2.85)

19:00: (3.25) Le Havre (3.40) Reims (2.35)

19:00: (3.25) Montpellier (3.45) Brest (2.20)

19:00: (2.20) Rennes (3.60) Toulouse (3.40)

22:45: (1.37) Olympique Lyon (5.80) Saint-Etienne (8.00)

***odds are subject to change***