AS Monaco suffered a narrow defeat on their first away trip of the season, falling 1–0 to Lille at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on the evening of Sunday, August 24, after a stoppage-time strike from Olivier Giroud.
The Red and Whites, buoyed by their opening-day 3–1 victory over Le Havre, entered the match with confidence and fielded an almost unchanged XI, with Folarin Balogun leading the attack. Early pressure from Monaco produced half-chances through Maghnes Akliouche and Balogun, but Lille held firm as the first half ended goalless.
After a slow start to the second half, Lille began to press. Chances came and went for both sides, with Monaco introducing Vanderson, Eliesse Ben Seghir and Mika Biereth in search of a breakthrough. Vanderson came close late on, denied by an alert Berke Özer.
Just as the visitors looked set to leave with a point, Giroud capitalised in the 91st minute to give the Dogues the lead. Monaco pushed forward in response, missing a last-gasp penalty and spurning a final opportunity in the 100th minute.
The defeat marks a frustrating setback after a promising start to the campaign. Monaco will look to rebound at home against Strasbourg on Sunday, August 31 at the Stade Louis-II before the international break.
