AS Monaco delivered a dominant performance at the Stade Louis-II, dismantling Nantes 7-1 in a match that saw Mika Biereth claim another hat-trick. In a show of attacking brilliance, the Monegasques capitalised on an early red card for Nantes and never looked back, securing a third consecutive league victory ahead of their crucial Champions League clash with Benfica.
The match got off to an unexpected start when Nantes stunned the home crowd with an early goal from Matthis Abline in the fourth minute. However, just moments later, the visitors were reduced to ten men as Nicolas Cozza was sent off for a reckless challenge on Vanderson. From that point on, Monaco seized control, pressing high and forcing Nantes onto the back foot. Anthony Lopes was called into action multiple times, denying Eliesse Ben Seghir and Maghnes Akliouche, while Nantes nearly doubled their lead with a daring lob attempt from Abline.
Despite creating numerous chances, Monaco had to wait until the 44th minute to break through. Takumi Minamino delivered a precise cross into the box, where Mika Biereth was on hand to flick the ball past Lopes at the near post. The equaliser sparked a relentless attacking surge, and just seconds later, Minamino struck again, rifling a volley that the Nantes goalkeeper failed to keep out, giving Monaco a 2-1 lead at halftime.
The second half saw Monaco pick up right where they left off. Just four minutes in, Minamino turned provider once again, setting up Ben Seghir for a clinical finish at the near post. With Nantes struggling to contain the relentless waves of attacks, Biereth struck again in the 54th minute, expertly curling in a right-footed effort from the penalty spot. Adi Hütter took advantage of the comfortable lead to introduce fresh legs, bringing on George Ilenikhena, who wasted no time making his mark.
Biereth, however, remained the main attraction. Winning and converting a penalty in the 66th minute, he completed his second hat-trick in just five league matches. The young striker nearly added a fourth moments later, his shot narrowly missing the target after a pass from Krépin Diatta. But the goals kept coming, and in the 81st minute, Ilenikhena rose to meet a cross with a diving header to make it 6-1.
The closing minutes saw Mamadou Coulibaly make an emotional return after a long injury layoff, and Monaco continued their relentless assault. Coulibaly came inches away from a goal himself, while Ilenikhena put the finishing touches on the rout deep into stoppage time with his second of the night.
As the final whistle blew, Monaco celebrated a comprehensive 7-1 victory, a result that not only secured a temporary spot in third place but also served as the perfect confidence boost ahead of their crucial Champions League showdown with Benfica on Tuesday, February 18.
