Monaco’s Dramatic Fall from Grace
PARIS (AP) — Back in October, the principality of Monaco was basking in the glory of a remarkably successful run. Under the guidance of the amiable coach Adi Hütter, Monaco had remained unbeaten for 11 consecutive games, including a standout victory over the formidable Barcelona. The team was praised for its daring and dynamic style of play, and the future seemed bright. However, the tide has turned dramatically, and Monaco now finds itself in a precarious position on multiple fronts.
Struggles in the Ligue 1 and Champions League
Monaco’s downward spiral has been swift and unsettling. The team has been distanced from the Ligue 1 title race, trailing far behind the league leaders, Paris Saint-Germain, who have a commanding 16-point lead. In the Champions League, Monaco faces an uphill battle against Benfica in their playoff, with the second leg set to take place next week. Moreover, Monaco’s early exit from the French Cup has further dimmed prospects for silverware this season. The mounting pressure on Hütter and his team is palpable, especially ahead of the upcoming home game against Nantes on Saturday.
Defensive Woes and Goalkeeper Issues
At the beginning of the season, Monaco’s success was underpinned by a robust defense that conceded only four goals in the first eight games of Ligue 1. However, the team’s defensive frailties have become increasingly evident in recent matches. Monaco has lost six of its last 10 games across all competitions, including a surprising defeat to rock-bottom Montpellier. The team has struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding 23 goals in the past 12 games, 12 of which came in the last five matches. The goalkeeping position has been a particular source of concern, with Radoslaw Majecki, who replaced Philipp Köhn, proving to be error-prone and unreliable.
Lyon’s Ambitions and New Momentum
While Monaco falters, Lyon is picking up steam under new manager Paulo Fonseca. The Portuguese tactician, known for his attacking approach, has instilled a sense of confidence and momentum in the team. Lyon has scored six goals in Fonseca’s first two matches, including a resounding 4-0 victory over Reims last weekend, where four different players found the back of the net. The resurgence of former France midfielder Corentin Tolisso, who won the World Cup in 2018, has been a significant boost. Tolisso has scored in both of Lyon’s recent matches, and his form is crucial for the team’s European ambitions.
The Key Role of Young Talent
One of the standout players for Lyon has been 21-year-old attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, who played a part in all four goals against Reims. Tolisso praised Cherki’s impact, noting that "When you have Cherki at this level, it’s difficult for us to lose." However, Cherki’s inconsistency over the years means that maintaining this level of performance will be vital for Lyon’s success. Another key task for Fonseca is to help captain Alexandre Lacazette regain his scoring touch. After two prolific seasons where he netted 46 goals in 64 matches, Lacazette has struggled this season, scoring just six league goals. Nonetheless, Lyon’s upcoming match against Montpellier, which has conceded a league-worst 48 goals, presents a golden opportunity for Lacazette to find his form.
Dembélé’s Stellar Form and the Upcoming Match Day
Ousmane Dembélé, the France forward, is in the best goal-scoring form of his career and is eagerly looking to extend his remarkable streak of scoring in 10 consecutive matches. With 16 goals to his name, Dembélé leads the Ligue 1 scoring charts, three goals ahead of Marseille’s Mason Greenwood. His performance will be crucial as Monaco travels to face Toulouse on Saturday. Meanwhile, Marseille hosts Saint-Étienne on Sunday in a match that will be played without visiting fans due to the high risk of confrontation between rival supporters. The tension and unpredictability of this Ligue 1 season are far from over, and every match could prove pivotal in shaping the final standings.
