AS Monaco’s first Ligue 1 outing of the year ended in frustration at Stade Louis-II on Saturday, January 3, as the Red and Whites were beaten 3–1 by Olympique Lyonnais after a match marked by fine margins, refereeing controversy and a costly red card.
Determined to halt a difficult run of form, Monaco started with intent against a Lyon side also chasing European places. Despite several key absences through suspension, injury and the Africa Cup of Nations, coach Adi Hütter opted for continuity, sticking with a diamond midfield system that had delivered a recent Coupe de France win. Mamadou Coulibaly and Jordan Teze were handed starting roles, while Christian Mawissa continued at right-back.
The opening exchanges were lively. Lukáš Hradecký was called into action almost immediately, before Aleksandr Golovin responded at the other end with a curling effort. Monaco’s plans were disrupted early, however, when Hradecký was forced off injured and replaced by Philipp Köhn, who was quickly tested.
Lyon struck first, but Monaco refused to fold. Pressing high and showing greater aggression, the hosts were rewarded deep into first-half stoppage time when Mamadou Coulibaly capitalised on a defensive error to level the score, with Folarin Balogun heavily involved once again. After a chaotic opening 45 minutes, the sides went in level.
The second half proved decisive. Monaco thought they had taken the lead when Thilo Kehrer headed home from a corner, only for the goal to be ruled out for a debatable foul. The momentum swung almost immediately, as Lyon regained the advantage moments later through a fortunate finish.
Any hopes of a response were dealt a further blow just after the hour mark. Despite Köhn keeping Monaco in the contest with a strong save, Coulibaly — moments after his goal — was shown a red card for a dangerous challenge. Reduced to ten men, Monaco struggled to contain Lyon, who sealed the result late on with a third goal from close range.
Despite late efforts and further saves from Köhn, Monaco were unable to mount a comeback and slipped to defeat in their opening league match of the year. Attention now turns to the Coupe de France, where the Red and Whites will look to respond quickly in the Round of 32 away to Orléans.
