It was a derby that had everything; goals, red cards, and late drama as AS Monaco battled back from two goals down to earn a 2–2 draw with OGC Nice at the Stade Louis-II on the evening of Sunday, October 5.
Watched by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II and club president Dmitry Rybolovlev, the match saw Ansu Fati once again steal the spotlight, scoring both Monaco goals and rescuing a crucial point in a rollercoaster Ligue 1 encounter.
Nice struck first midway through the opening half when former Monaco winger Sofiane Diop broke the deadlock, punishing a defensive lapse to make it 1–0. Moments later, the visitors were reduced to ten men after Ali Abdi received a second yellow card — but not before Diop doubled the lead from the penalty spot to complete his brace.
Monaco responded swiftly, with VAR awarding a penalty for handball just before the break. Fati coolly converted from the spot to halve the deficit and breathe life back into the contest.
After the restart, substitute Folarin Balogun won another penalty when he was brought down in the area. Fati stepped up again to fire home his second of the night — and his fifth goal of the season — levelling the score at 2–2.
From there, Monaco threw everything forward, with George Ilenikhena going close on multiple occasions, but Nice held firm through nine tense minutes of stoppage time.
The result keeps Monaco unbeaten at home in Ligue 1 in 2025, while Nice — still struggling to find form — will take heart from a spirited performance with ten men.
For Adi Hütter’s side, the draw follows their thrilling midweek 2–2 stalemate against Manchester City in the Champions League — another reminder that this Monaco team, even when down, are never out.
