AS Monaco secured a hard-fought 3-2 win over Stade Brestois, led by a brilliant double from Maghnes Akliouche and a goal from Aleksandr Golovin. This victory, their third in a row, solidifies their position as Ligue 1’s runner-up.
Coming off wins against Bologna and Strasbourg, the Red and Whites aimed to extend their momentum at home. Adi Hütter fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation, welcoming back key players Mohammed Salisu, Denis Zakaria, and Aleksandr Golovin from injury. Meanwhile, Christian Mawissa and Soungoutou Magassa retained their starting spots after impressive performances in Strasbourg.
The match began explosively for Monaco. In the fifth minute, Eliesse Ben Seghir set up Akliouche, who opened the scoring with a precise first-time finish. Moments later, Akliouche nearly doubled the lead but was denied by the post. Monaco’s persistence paid off in the 24th minute when Golovin, assisted by the post, netted his first goal of the season to make it 2-0.
Brest sought to respond, with Ludovic Ajorque and Abdallah Sima threatening before halftime, but Monaco’s defense and goalkeeper Vanderson held firm. Breel Embolo missed a golden opportunity just before the break, leaving Monaco with a two-goal cushion at halftime.
Brest narrowed the gap shortly after the restart. Abdallah Sima’s header from a corner reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the 50th minute. Monaco thought they had won a penalty later in the half, but an offside call negated the opportunity.
The game remained tense as Brest pressed for an equaliser. Mama Baldé and Jeremy Le Douaron came close for the visitors, while Monaco’s George Ilenikhena and Soungoutou Magassa missed chances to extend their lead.
As the clock ticked down, Akliouche struck again in the 91st minute with a stunning chipped finish after a counterattack, sealing his brace and restoring Monaco’s two-goal advantage. Although Ajorque scored deep into stoppage time, it was too late to deny Monaco their victory.
This win not only extends Monaco’s streak to three consecutive triumphs but also strengthens their grip on second place in Ligue 1. The team now shifts focus to a pivotal Champions League clash against Benfica on Wednesday evening.
