Paris Saint-Germain suffered a costly home defeat in the Ligue 1 title race, going down 3-1 to a sharp and opportunistic Monaco side on Friday.
The loss marked PSG’s fourth league defeat of the season, leaving them vulnerable at the top as Lens could close the gap to just one point with a win over rock-bottom Metz on Sunday.
Monaco took control early, with winger Maghnes Akliouche opening the scoring in the 27th minute after a disastrous defensive lapse by PSG’s Warren Zaïre-Emery, who lost the ball while attempting to dribble out from his own area.
The lead was doubled in the 55th minute when Aleksandr Golovin, coming off the bench, slotted home a precise finish from a right-wing cross. Golovin nearly added another with a curling effort from 25 meters.
American forward Folarin Balogun sealed the victory in the 73rd minute, converting a quick combination with Akliouche that deflected off the post and into the net.
PSG managed a brief response when Bradley Barcola pulled one back in the 71st minute, but Monaco’s two-goal cushion remained unchallenged. Simon Adingra came close to extending the lead late on, only to see his shot rattle the crossbar.
PSG introduced Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé in the 60th minute after he returned from a calf injury, but the forward lacked his usual sharpness, leaving the home side unable to mount a serious comeback.
This defeat continues Monaco’s strong record against PSG this season, having also won 1-0 in the league in September and scoring first in all four encounters, including two in the Champions League.
PSG now turns focus to their Champions League last-16 first-leg clash against Chelsea on Wednesday.
