AS Monaco stormed back into contention for a Champions League spot with a commanding 3-0 victory over Stade de Reims at the Stade Louis-II. Inspired by yet another hat-trick from Danish striker Mika Biereth—his third in as many home matches—the Red and Whites delivered a dominant performance, drawing level with Nice in third place.
The match, played in front of club president Dmitry Rybolovlev, saw Monaco extend their impressive home form with a fourth consecutive league win in the Principality. With Reims arriving in dire straits—winless in their last 12 league games—Monaco were expected to take control. However, memories of Reims’ Coupe de France triumph over them and their unbeaten record in Monaco since the 2013-14 season meant caution was still required.
Adi Hütter opted for an attacking 4-4-2 formation, pairing Breel Embolo with Biereth up front, supported by Maghnes Akliouche and Takumi Minamino on the flanks. Denis Zakaria and Moatasem Al-Musrati anchored midfield, while Vanderson, Thilo Kehrer, Christian Mawissa, and Caio Henrique formed the defensive line in front of goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki.
Monaco wasted no time asserting themselves. Biereth came close just seconds in, his header narrowly missing the target, while Akliouche’s curling effort was well saved by Diouf in the 10th minute. The hosts continued to create chances, but Al-Musrati (15’), Biereth (19’, 32’), and Embolo (27’) all failed to find the net.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 34th minute, as Biereth latched onto a pinpoint cross from Caio Henrique to steer home his eighth goal in just seven league matches. Five minutes later, he struck again, showcasing his technical brilliance with a clinical finish—matching Zlatan Ibrahimović’s record from 2012 for consecutive hat-tricks at home.
Leading 2-0 at the break, Monaco picked up where they left off in the second half. Minamino nearly extended the advantage early on, but Diouf once again intervened (49’). Moments later, Biereth made history, reacting quickest to a loose ball after Embolo’s shot was parried, completing his treble in the 51st minute. His third consecutive home hat-trick—a feat never before achieved in Monaco’s history—cemented his status as one of Ligue 1’s deadliest forwards.
Reims attempted to muster a response, with Akieme forcing a sharp save from Majecki (57’) and Keito Nakamura testing the Polish goalkeeper from distance (65’). Hütter then rotated his squad, introducing George Ilenikhena, Krépin Diatta, and Eliesse Ben Seghir (74’), followed by Lucas Michal (79’), who nearly marked his appearance with a goal but sent his header wide (84’).
The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive win for the Principality side, securing a fourth straight home victory and drawing them level with Nice in third. Next up, AS Monaco travel to Toulouse on Friday, March 7, as they look to continue their push up the Ligue 1 table.
