AS Monaco’s Ligue 1 campaign suffered another setback on Sunday, November 1 after they were beaten 3-1 by Paris FC at the Stade Jean-Bouin, despite Folarin Balogun scoring his first goal of the season.
The defeat came in the ninth round of the French championship, with the hosts proving more dangerous throughout much of the encounter. More than 1,000 Monaco supporters travelled to Paris to back the visitors.
Paris FC made the stronger start, putting the Monaco defence under sustained pressure. Pierre Lees-Melou struck the post in the 13th minute, before a deflected effort from Sadibou Sané hit the crossbar six minutes later. Goalkeeper Lukáš Hrádecký also produced an important save to deny Lassine Sinayoko in the 28th minute.
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The pressure eventually told in the 38th minute when Sinayoko turned in a cross from Lopez to give the home side the lead. The same player struck again just before half-time, capitalising on a long ball to make it 2-0 in the 44th minute.
Monaco manager Filipe Luís responded with changes at the break, introducing Christian Mawissa and Folarin Balogun as he switched to a three-man defence. Takumi Minamino followed shortly afterwards as the visitors sought a way back into the match.
The adjustments brought a response, and Balogun gave Monaco renewed hope in the 66th minute, meeting a Vanderson cross to score his first goal of the campaign. The American forward threatened again soon afterwards, but Paris FC goalkeeper Kevin Trapp kept out his effort.
Any prospect of a Monaco comeback was dealt a blow in the 74th minute. Pablo Pagis finished from close range to restore the hosts’ two-goal advantage and seal the 3-1 result.
Despite continuing to push forward, Monaco were unable to find another goal, with a late effort from Vanderson going over the bar in stoppage time.
The result leaves the Monegasques with work to do ahead of a busy week. They are due to return to European competition against Nordsjælland on Thursday before travelling to face Le Mans on Sunday, ahead of the next international break.
