PSG Continues Unstoppable Streak with a Thrilling 4-1 Win Over Monaco
PARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) continued their dominant run in Ligue 1 with a resounding 4-1 victory over third-placed Monaco, further extending their lead to a commanding 13 points. The clash, which took place on Friday, was a testament to PSG’s burgeoning attacking prowess, spearheaded by their latest signing, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian winger, who joined from Napoli for a reported 70 million euros ($72 million), made an immediate impact by scoring his first goal for the club. His skill and finishing ability were on full display in the 54th minute when he-controlled a quick pass with his right foot, deftly cut inside Christian Mawissa, and lofted the ball over the out-of-balance goalkeeper, Radoslaw Majecki, with finesse.
Kvaratskhelia’s Stellar Performance
Kvaratskhelia’s goal, which made it 2-1, was a highlight of the match, showcasing why PSG was willing to pay such a significant sum for his talents. Just three minutes later, Ousmane Dembélé added to the tally with a well-placed shot after a brilliant combination with Désiré Doué. Dembélé sealed the victory with a fourth goal in the last minute, tapping in from close range following a swift counterattack. This goal extended his league-leading tally to 16, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most lethal strikers in Ligue 1.
Early PSG Advantage
PSG’s dominance was evident from the outset. In the sixth minute, Vitinha opened the scoring with a beautifully executed free kick, curling the ball into the bottom right corner. However, his precision was somewhat aided by a significant positional error from Majecki, who left a large gap at the near post. Despite this early setback, Monaco managed to level the score when captain Denis Zakaria ran onto a smart pass from Soungoutou Magassa, easily beating PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma at the near post.
Monaco’s Struggles
For all its attacking flair, especially with the technically gifted Maghnes Akliouche, Monaco’s performance was marred by poor composure and erratic defending. These weaknesses were on full display and will likely result in Monaco dropping to fifth if Lille and Nice secure wins this weekend. The team’s inability to maintain a steady defensive line and their lack of composure under pressure were evident throughout the match, leaving them vulnerable to PSG’s relentless attack.
Marseille’s Staunch Challenge
Despite PSG’s overwhelming lead, Marseille will remain in second place regardless of the weekend’s outcomes. However, they must secure a win against Angers on Sunday to keep the gap at 10 points. The pressure is on Marseille to ensure they do not fall further behind in the league standings, as PSG’s form shows no signs of slowing down. The team will need to demonstrate the same resilience and tactical acumen that has kept them competitive throughout the season.
Brest’s Impressive Form
Elsewhere in Ligue 1, Brest continued their impressive form with a 2-0 victory over Nantes, climbing to seventh position. The imposing striker Ludovic Ajorque and midfielder Pierre Lees-Melou were the stars of the show, each netting a goal to seal the win. Brest’s recent performances have been notable, particularly their three consecutive victories over Nantes, including a match in the French Cup. This victory sets the stage for their upcoming Champions League playoff match against PSG, which will be held at Brest on Tuesday. The team’s confidence and momentum could provide a significant challenge to the league leaders.
