Paris St. Germain have prevailed in the top match of Ligue 1. The league leaders defeated runners-up Monaco in a high-scoring game. Dembelé celebrated a premiere
The game between PSG and Monegasque deserved to be called a top match right from the start. There was plenty of back and forth, including fast-paced forays. Paris were a little better at first and took the lead: Goncalo Ramos, who had been signed by the Parisians during the week, dusted off a mistake by keeper Köhn (18′).
Minamino also scores after a goalkeeping error
Monaco did not hide in the capital, however. Early on, Minamino, who coach Adi Hütter had put up front instead of Ben Yedder, shot just wide (7th minute). In the 22nd minute, however, it was the Japanese player who equalized: The former Liverpool player had an easy game after a disastrous misplaced pass from Donnarumma.
The goalkeepers also proved that Donnarumma and Köhn have strong sides: the Swiss had the upper hand once against Mbappé (8′) and also did not let Hakimi pass (14′). The Italian was on hand to make a save against Magassa (11).
Numerous chances were supposed to lead to goals – and one was scored in the first half. After Magassa had clumsily brought down Dembelé, Mbappé scored his 14th goal of the season from the spot (39′). A save from Köhn against the Frenchman (32′) and Donnarumma’s giant-kick against Minamino (45′) sealed the 2:1 at the break
Dembelé finally scores his goal
The last big chance for a long time, Luis Enrique’s PSG focused on defense and barely allowed Monaco to score. The second half was clearly less chance-filled than the first but still had a lot to offer: Dembelé with his first goal in a Parisian shirt (70′) and Vitinha with a great flick (72′) provided the supposed preliminary decision with a double strike.
Supposedly, because Balogun, who had been almost invisible until then, promptly replied and made it 2:4 (75′). Not the last goal of a great encounter – PSG, who had struck with the first two shots on goal after the break, defended well until the end and were rewarded for an effective performance with Kolo Muani’s goal at the final whistle (90.+6).
Following this clear 5:2 win in the Champions League, Paris continue their Champions League campaign with an important game against Newcastle (Tuesday, 9pm), while Monaco will host Montpellier next week on Sunday (3pm).
