Match Reports
Monaco get crucial win over OM to go second
In a comprehensive performance at the Stade Louis-II, AS Monaco beat Olympique de Marseille 3-0 to retake second place in a key match in the race for the Champions League places. The victory, which was the sixth in a row at home for the Principality side, sees them move a point clear of their opponents on the evening in the Ligue 1 McDonald's table.
A lively start, but few goals
There is never any love lost between these two rivals, and after a gutting last-minute loss to Stade Brestois last weekend, Monaco also had the imperative of a win to keep the upper hand in the race for the top four, with hard-charging Strasbourg edging closer. Marseille had snapped their own skid, albeit with a nervy win over Toulouse, but were still without several key defenders -- a fact on which the match would turn.
Both sides were eager to make their mark in the match, but despite a fast pace to the match, the keepers were little-tested. Takumi Minamino would eventually break the deadlock just before the half hour, netting his fifth of the season after the visitors struggled to clear a lose ball in the box. Marseille would respond, with a fizzing effort from Luis Henrique grazing the post, but the match would reach the break with Monaco ahead, 1-0.
2 goals in the last 2 matches at home for Embolo! 🔥🇨🇠pic.twitter.com/asffw0FS4i
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 12, 2025
Monaco take charge in the second half
As thrilling as the first half had been, the second started at an even faster pace, with Monaco twice being denied by GeronˆĂmo Rulli at corners. Then it would be the turn of Philipp Kohn in the home goal to make a pair of saves, twice denying Mason Greenwood. Just before the hour, though, Vanderson would set up Breel Embolo with a delightful ball, the Swiss striker doubling the lead with aplomb.
Conceding a second seemed to take the wind out of Marseille's sails, as despite several changes being made by Roberto de Zerbi, they would get no closer to getting a foothold in the match than a curling effort from Amine Gouiri which Kohn punched clear. Monaco had the bit between their teeth and would have a deserved third as Embolo was brought down in the box, with his countryman Denis Zakaria stepping up to convert for the final margin, 3-0. With the result, Marseille slip to third, and will be looking nervously over their shoulders as Strasbourg host Nice in Alsace later this evening.
The Stat: 22
AS Monaco have scored 22 goals at home in 2025, the best total in Ligue 1 McDonald's
Read more:
