New arrival Dier helps Monaco to opening win
Joining fellow new arrival Lucas Hradecky, who started for the hosts in goal, Eric Dier helped AS Monaco to an impressive 3-1 Matchday One win over Le Havre at the Stade Louis-II.
A change of formation for Monaco
Having resolutely played a 4-4-2 through preseason, it was a surprise to see Monaco manager Adi Hütter play a 4-2-3-1, with all of Maghnes Akliouche, Takumi Minamino and Aleksandr Golovin playing in support of Mika Biereth. As for Le Havre, Didier Digard also surprised, casting off last season's three-man defence to play with four at the back, including debuts for Mory Diaw in goal and Japanese international Ayumu Seko in defence.
The hosts were in control for much of the first half, but failed to gain any traction against a Le Havre side as eager to play on the counter as they had last season. It was a bad bit of luck, then, that saw the Principality side open the scoring, as Golovin drove forward and attempted to cross, but his effort came off of Gautier Lloris as the defender attempted a tackle, giving Monaco the lead. Just before the break, Akliouche would hit the post, but Les Monégasques would come no closer to doubling their lead than that in the first half.
New season, same Maghnes Akliouche 🌟🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/gbilCNSrt5
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) August 16, 2025
Three goals in twelve minutes
With the match still 1-0, Digard brought on another new signing -- Mbwana Samatta -- just before the hour, but the Tanzania international would have his work cut out for him, as moments later, Dier rose highest to meet Lamine Camara's corner, leaving Diaw to fumble the ball over the line. Frustrated with having conceded so readily, Le Havre responded in short order, pouncing on a loose touch by Vanderson as Rassoul Ndiaye put the Normans back in the match (67')
Monaco's two-goal lead was soon restored, though, as the Brazilian right back made up for his earlier error with an out ball to Denis Zakaria. The captain strode forward, and a sublime low cross for Akliouche was easily turned home by the Frenchman, sealing the result. Next for Les Monégasques -- provisionally top of the table -- is a daunting trip to face Lille, who will no doubt present a stern challenge under Bruno Génésio, despite their summer exodus. As for Le Havre, they'll hope a home match against a Lens side who struggled against Lyon will prove a better opportunity for points than today's trip to the Principality.
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