AS Monaco secured a crucial 2-1 victory over OGC Nice in a dramatic and hard-fought battle at the Stade Louis-II, reclaiming bragging rights in the Côte d’Azur Derby and climbing to second place in Ligue 1. Under the watchful eye of club president Dmitry Rybolovlev, the Red and Whites showed resilience and determination to overturn an early deficit and seal a memorable win.
With revenge on their minds after a first-leg defeat at the Allianz Riviera, Monaco entered the match level on points and goal difference with their rivals. Manager Adi Hütter opted for a structured 4-4-2 formation, featuring Wilfried Singo in defence and a midfield duo of Mohamed Camara and Denis Zakaria. Up front, the Biereth-Embolo partnership aimed to break through the Nice defence.
The home side wasted no time asserting their dominance. Within the opening minutes, Breel Embolo won a penalty, only for Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka to deny Mika Biereth’s spot-kick. Takumi Minamino came close moments later, rattling the crossbar with a stunning effort, while Maghnes Akliouche saw his shot deflected for a corner.
Despite Monaco’s strong start, it was Nice who found the breakthrough just before half-time. Jérémie Boga met Jonathan Clauss’ precise cross with a well-placed header, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead at the break. Undeterred, the Red and Whites returned for the second half with renewed intensity. Their pressure finally paid off in the 56th minute when Akliouche delivered a pinpoint pass to Biereth, who rifled the ball into the top corner, levelling the score at 1-1. The Danish forward continued to trouble the Nice defence, nearly turning provider for Akliouche minutes later, only for Bulka to make another vital stop.
With the match hanging in the balance, Monaco found their hero in Breel Embolo. After another moment of brilliance from Akliouche, the Swiss striker powered past his marker and slotted a composed finish into the net in the 73rd minute, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Monaco held firm through seven tense minutes of stoppage time, fending off a late push from Nice to secure a statement victory. The result not only avenged their first-leg defeat but also cemented their position as serious contenders in the Ligue 1 title race. With momentum firmly on their side, the Red and Whites now look ahead to their next challenge, determined to build on this thrilling Derby triumph.
