Monaco showed resilience as they fought back from a two-goal deficit to claim a 2-2 draw against Nantes at Stade de la Beaujoire. Despite trailing early in the second half, Adi Hutter’s team clawed back to maintain their position in third place in Ligue 1 and reduced the gap to leaders Paris Saint-Germain to nine points.
Match Highlights
Nantes’ Early Dominance
- First Goal: Matthis Abline opened the scoring for Nantes in the 12th minute following a well-placed cross from Sorba Thomas.
- Doubling the Lead: Just two minutes after the restart, Kelvin Amian capitalized on another Thomas delivery to make it 2-0 for the hosts.
Monaco’s Response
- Embolo’s Strike: Breel Embolo cut the deficit to 2-1 with a crucial goal five minutes after Nantes’ second strike.
- Salisu’s Equalizer: Mohammed Salisu leveled the game with a powerful header in the 59th minute, assisted by Lamine Camara’s pinpoint corner.
Near Misses and Late Drama
- Embolo Denied: The Swiss forward saw a potential winner cleared off the line as Monaco pushed for a decisive goal.
- Simon Hits the Woodwork: Nantes’ Moses Simon came agonizingly close to restoring the lead, striking the post late in the game.
Key Player Performances
- Sorba Thomas: The provider for both Nantes goals, Thomas demonstrated his playmaking abilities and was a constant threat down the wing.
- Breel Embolo: Embolo’s goal marked his third in four Ligue 1 matches, showcasing his return to form after a lean spell.
- Mohammed Salisu: The defender’s equalizing header underlined his aerial prowess and value during set-piece situations.
Statistical Insights
- Abline’s Goal Contribution: The 20-year-old’s 12th goal since debuting for Nantes in September 2023 makes him the club’s top scorer in that period.
- Amian’s Long Wait: Kelvin Amian’s goal was his first in Ligue 1 since March 2018 when he scored for Toulouse.
- Woodwork Saves: Monaco has now seen their opponents hit the woodwork eight times this season, second only to Nice in Ligue 1.
Tactical Analysis
- Nantes’ Approach: The home side capitalized on early momentum and sharp counter-attacks to establish a commanding lead.
- Monaco’s Comeback Strategy: Tactical adjustments by Adi Hutter allowed Monaco to regain control in midfield and press for attacking opportunities, ultimately salvaging a valuable point.
Looking Ahead
Monaco’s fighting spirit keeps them firmly in contention near the top of Ligue 1, while Nantes will take confidence from their strong showing despite missing out on a crucial victory.
FAQs
- Who scored the goals for Monaco?
Breel Embolo and Mohammed Salisu scored the goals for Monaco. - How did Nantes perform compared to previous matches?
Despite their struggles, Nantes showed significant improvement, building a 2-0 lead and nearly snatching a win. - What was significant about Kelvin Amian’s goal?
It was his first Ligue 1 goal since March 2018 when he last scored for Toulouse. - How has Monaco performed this season?
Monaco remains in third place, continuing to challenge for top positions in Ligue 1. - What’s next for both teams?
Monaco will aim to build on this comeback in their next fixture, while Nantes seeks to convert strong performances into wins.
