AS Monaco kicked off their 2025-2026 Ligue 1 campaign in style on Sunday, August 17, defeating Le Havre 3-1 at the Stade Louis-II in what also marked the club’s 1,100th league victory.
After seven weeks of pre-season and eight warm-up matches, Adi Hütter’s men returned to competitive action under the watchful eye of Prince Albert II and club president Dmitry Rybolovlev. The manager set up his side in a 4-2-3-1, with new signings Eric Dier and Lukáš Hradecký handed their Ligue 1 debuts, while Takumi Minamino and Mika Biereth led the attacking line.
Despite scorching conditions of around 30°C, both teams showed early intent. Monaco carved out chances through Minamino and Biereth, while HAC’s Rassoul Ndiaye tested the home defence. The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when Gauthier Lloris inadvertently turned an Aleksandr Golovin cross into his own net. Maghnes Akliouche came close to doubling the lead before the interval, striking the post in stoppage time.
The second half saw Monaco’s dominance rewarded again. On 62 minutes, Eric Dier announced himself to Ligue 1 with a powerful header from a Lamine Camara corner, opening his account in Red and White. Le Havre briefly threatened a comeback when Ndiaye pulled one back in the 67th minute, but Akliouche restored the two-goal cushion just seven minutes later after good work from Denis Zakaria.
New goalkeeper Hradecký produced a fine late save to deny Mabimbi, before Hütter introduced academy talent Aladji Bamba for his professional debut and gave summer recruit Paris Brunner a first run-out. The hosts managed the closing stages with composure to seal a convincing opening-day victory, extending their unbeaten run at home in 2025.
For Monaco, the evening brought more than just three points: it was also a historic milestone, their 1,100th triumph in the French top flight, setting the tone for a season in which expectations are high.
