Folarin Balogun continued his strong run of form by finding the net as AS Monaco secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Stade Brestois 29, marking his 14th goal of the season.
Balogun’s powerful left-footed strike under the crossbar highlighted an impressive spell for the striker, who has now recorded six goals and one assist in his last six appearances.
The goal also took his tally in Ligue 1 to eight for the campaign, drawing him level with Ansu Fati.
Monaco’s evening was further strengthened by the return of goalkeeper Lukáš Hrádecký, who kept a clean sheet after being sidelined for two months.
He was rarely troubled, with Brest failing to register a shot on target before the interval as Monaco recorded a fifth consecutive victory.
According to Nice-Matin, head coach Sébastien Pocognoli got his tactical adjustments right, with several players delivering disciplined performances.
Defensively, Thilo Kehrer endured an uneasy start and was booked in the 36th minute but recovered well, notably blocking Labeau Lascary late in the game.
Denis Zakaria kept Ludovic Ajorque quiet and also blocked a drive from Guindo shortly after the restart, despite a brief moment of uncertainty when misjudging a cross. Wout Faes also played aggressively, defending on the front foot.
Out wide, Jordan Teze tracked diagonal switches aimed at Junior Dina Ebimbe and later headed the ball down for Mohamed Camara before being replaced by Ouattara in the 84th minute.
Camara’s midfield partnership with Jonathan Bamba stood out. Camara made 12 recoveries during the match, while Bamba supplied a pass for Maghnes Akliouche in the 26th minute.
Bamba was booked shortly after the break and later replaced by Coulibaly in the 57th minute.
Simon Adingra struggled to impose himself in physical duels and hesitated during a promising counterattack in the 21st minute before making way for Mawissa late on.
Akliouche remained one of Monaco’s most dangerous players, drawing fouls and probing the Brest defence.
He squandered a Bamba cross and had a goal ruled out for offside in the 35th minute before being substituted for Fati in the 70th minute.
Veteran midfielder Aleksandr Golovin celebrated his 200th Ligue 1 appearance by repeatedly finding pockets of space.
He tested goalkeeper Grégoire Coudert with efforts in the 35th and 52nd minutes before finally beating him with his third attempt.
Balogun remained a constant threat to Brest defender Rubén Díaz and nearly added another when he chipped wide in the 68th minute, before a lively cameo appearance from Mika Biereth helped Monaco see out the win comfortably.
