Monaco Stages Comeback to Overcome Nice and Stymie PSG’s Title Celebrations

Monaco climbed to second place in Ligue 1 after a dramatic 2-1 comeback win against Nice at Stade Louis II during the Derby de la Côte d’Azur, denying their rivals the chance to secure their first league double in this matchup since the 2004/05 season.

The home side had an excellent opportunity to get on the scoreboard within the opening five minutes. A poor pass from visiting midfielder Benjamin Santamaria forced his goalkeeper Marcin Bułka into a hasty clearance, allowing Monaco to regain possession. Unfortunately for Santamaria, he then fouled Breel Embolo from behind, resulting in a penalty.

Nonetheless, Mika Biereth, who has been in fine form since joining from Sturm Graz in January, had his penalty saved as he aimed low to Bułka’s left. The Polish keeper made a vital save with his right foot as Biereth attempted to convert the rebound.

Moments later, the dynamic Takumi Minamino nearly put Monaco ahead, but his attempt struck the crossbar. On the other end, nearing the half-hour mark, Caio Henrique made a crucial intervention to deny Nice’s standout player, Evann Guessand.

Maghnes Akliouche then had a chance to break the deadlock, but his first-time effort went straight at Bulka. Nice capitalised on Monaco’s earlier squandered opportunities when Jonathan Clauss delivered a precise cross that was expertly headed in by Jeremie Boga.

Encouraged by his team’s first-half performance, Monaco head coach Adi Hutter opted not to make any changes at halftime. His faith was rewarded on the 55th minute when Lamine Camara’s incisive pass found Akliouche, whose clever flick was converted by Biereth. This goal served as redemption for his earlier penalty miss, marking his 12th Ligue 1 goal in just 10 appearances.

Akliouche soon had another opportunity to shift the momentum after being set up by Biereth, but once again, his attempt was too close to Bulka. The match then saw referee Jerome Brisard involved in a VAR controversy as he decided against awarding a penalty for Dante’s challenge on Breel Embolo.

However, Embolo quickly shrugged off that disappointment to net what turned out to be the winner. Akliouche exploited a slip by Dante to find the Swiss international, who skillfully manoeuvred the ball before finishing with precision.

Following Embolo’s goal in the 73rd minute, Monaco faced little resistance from Nice. The situation worsened for Nice when Dante received a straight red card in stoppage time for a late challenge on Akliouche. With this victory, Hütter’s men have amassed 10 points from their last four matches as they prepare for an away game against Brest next Saturday. Meanwhile, Nice will aim to end their three-match winless streak when they host Nantes a day earlier.