AS Monaco delivered a thrilling performance to secure a 3-2 victory against Rennes on Saturday, January 25, marking the 40th anniversary of Stade Louis-II in style. The win, witnessed by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II and club president Dmitry Rybolovlev, capped off an exceptional week for the team, following their midweek triumph over Aston Villa in the Champions League.

The Red and Whites came into the match determined to carry their momentum forward. Coach Adi Hütter made slight adjustments to the lineup, reintroducing Mohammed Salisu in defence and fielding Mika Biereth as the lead striker alongside Aleksandr Golovin and Takumi Minamino. Monaco started with dominance, controlling possession and pressing high.

The breakthrough came early, courtesy of Maghnes Akliouche’s sensational overhead kick in the 15th minute, his third goal of the Ligue 1 season. Monaco nearly doubled their lead several times, with Aleksandr Golovin hitting the crossbar and Rennes barely clearing Biereth’s dangerous cross. However, Rennes found an equaliser just before halftime, as Mohamadou Nagida capitalised on a deflected shot to level the score in stoppage time.

Unfazed, Monaco emerged from the break with renewed intensity. Mika Biereth, making his mark in Ligue 1, put Monaco ahead in the 52nd minute with a composed finish following an assist from Lamine Camara, who now leads the league with five assists. Just minutes later, Akliouche set up Golovin for Monaco’s third goal, completing a lightning-fast sequence that gave the hosts a comfortable cushion.

Rennes, however, refused to go quietly. Amine Gouiri’s curling effort narrowly missed before he found the net in the 67th minute to cut Monaco’s lead. With the game on a knife’s edge, Hütter introduced fresh legs, bringing on Krépin Diatta and Lucas Michal to bolster the attack. Goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki then delivered a crucial save in added time, denying Meïté’s header to preserve Monaco’s lead.

As the final whistle blew, Monaco celebrated a hard-fought victory that temporarily elevated them to third place in Ligue 1. The win not only honoured the storied legacy of Stade Louis-II but also reinforced the team’s growing confidence ahead of their Champions League clash against Inter Milan on Wednesday, January 29.