Monaco seal comeback win over Lyon to tighten European race
Monaco come from behind to seal a fourth straight victory in Ligue 1 to move within just one point of Lyon in the race for direct Champions League qualification. Pavel Sulc opened the scoring for the hosts before a goal from Akliouche and a penalty strike from Balofun sealed an all-important victory for Les Monégasques.
There was a clear sense of urgency around Lyon coming into this fixture. Winless in the league since mid-February and knocked out of Europe, this was a performance built as much on necessity as quality—and it showed in their intensity from the outset.
Paulo Fonseca'ss side were the sharper of the two in the opening period. Direct in their approach and aggressive without the ball, they carried the greater attacking threat and were rewarded just before the break.
The breakthrough came on 42 minutes. Endrick drove forward down the right before picking out Šulc, who arrived at the perfect moment to guide past Lukáš Hrádecký with a composed first-time finish.
Lyon strike, Monaco respond
Lyon could have doubled their advantage moments later. Corentin Tolisso’s curling effort struck the post in stoppage time, underlining OL’s first-half superiority.
Monaco, however, had their moments. Maghnes Akliouche was denied by a crucial last-ditch intervention from Afonso Moreira (32’) with the goal at his mercy, while Aleksandr Golovin and Folarin Balogun both found promising positions without converting.
The second half would burst into life. After a perfect through-ball from Jordan Teze, Maghnes Akliouche managed to control the ball well and strike from the edge of the box to level up the proceedings and get Monaco right back into the game (62'). It only took a few minutes for Les Monégasques to get in front as Akiouche was once again involved and won a penalty after a foul from Corentin Tolisso in the box. Folarin Balogun stepped up to convert and pull Sébastien Pocognoli's side in front for the first time in the afternoon (72').
Two red cards would be awarded in the final stages of the game
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