After their midweek Champions League disappointment in Bruges, Monaco returned to winning ways at home, thanks to a sparkling Ligue 1 debut from Ansu Fati. The former Barcelona forward came off the bench at half-time and scored twice (46’, 83’) to put the Principality club in control. Mikkel Biereth (28’) had earlier cancelled out Habib Diallo’s opener (13’), before Georges Hein drew Metz level from the spot (67’). A Kiki Kouao own goal (86’) and a late strike from George Ilenikhena (90’) sealed it for Monaco, who climb to second in the table. Metz remain winless and 18th.
The points were shared at the Stade Océane in a tense battle at the foot of the table. Lorient took the lead midway through the first half through Bamba (21’), but Oumar Soumaré equalised early in the second period (47’). Pape Mamadou Diaw denied Lorient with a superb late save, ensuring Le Havre held on for a draw. Both clubs remain stuck in the bottom five.
Auxerre ended their three-game losing streak with a narrow but hard-fought victory over Toulouse. Nélson Oliveira Namaso struck just before the break (45+2’) to give the hosts the advantage. Reduced to ten men after Kristoffer Oppegard’s red card (65’), Auxerre held firm despite intense pressure. Toulouse missed an early penalty through Magri (3’), and despite dominating possession, they were unable to find an equaliser. Auxerre climb to mid-table, while Toulouse slip behind their hosts in the standings.
The Spanish forward made a dream Ligue 1 debut, coming off the bench to score twice and turn Monaco’s clash with Metz. His sharp movement and clinical finishing gave Adi Hütter’s side the spark they needed, immediately underlining his potential to be a game-changer in the Principality this season.
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