On behalf of the 21st day of Ligue 1, AS Monaco emerged victorious against OGC Nice. Despite high intensity and numerous goals, ASM won this derby with a score of 3-2.
At 8:45 PM, at the Allianz Riviera, the kickoff for this match was whistled by Mr. Eric Wattelier. This game was highly anticipated by the supporters of both clubs. Following the pyrotechnic projectiles launched at the end of last year, the Nice ultras are not present in their usual stand, leaving the Populaire Sud empty. Only one stand separates Nice and Monaco supporters. From the very first minutes, the tension rises within the stadium.
Level score at halftime
Monaco was the first to score in the sixteenth minute of play. The first shot on target was therefore successful, signed by Denis Zakaria! A superb curling shot that went straight into the top right corner, Bulka was beaten on this action, 0-1. Nice’s response was quick, with Dante, Guessand, and even Sanson trying their luck against Monaco’s last line of defense, Kohn. In the 37th minute of play, Thilo Kehrer committed a slight foul on Tom Louchet in the box, but it was enough for Mr. Wattelier to point to the penalty spot. Laborde seized the ball, having missed his last two penalties, confirmed the saying, the third time’s the charm! Nice leveled the score, and the players returned to the locker room with a score of 1-1.
A red and white second half
Five minutes after the start of the second half, the Monegasques drove the point home. Zakaria was on fire, scoring a brace with a header that went straight into the bottom corner, 1-2. The Aiglons struggled to respond after this goal. Anger took over, and the Niçois continued to accumulate penalties. Dante was sent off in the 54th minute, and Tom Louchet was booked immediately afterward. With 10 against 11, the Aiglons pushed forward, forcing Monaco’s defense to uncover, and Evann Guessand equalized with a header from a Morgan Sanson corner. However, the numerical advantage was a significant asset for Adi Hütter’s players, who regained the lead immediately. Golovin found himself alone against Bulka and scored Monaco’s third goal, 2-3.
The derby is therefore red and white this time. The Aiglons will have a chance to make up for it on Friday, February 16th, against Lyon, at the Groupama Stadium.
