French Ligue 1 witnessed an electrifying performance from Takumi Minamino on February 15, 2025, as his team AS Monaco registered an astonishing 7-1 victory against FC Nantes at home. Minamino was instrumental throughout the match, signaling both his scoring ability and playmaking skills which have been pivotal for Monaco's success this season.
The match began with Nantes securing an early lead, scoring just five minutes after kick-off. Mathis Abline found the back of the net, unsettling the home crowd. But the tide turned dramatically in Monaco's favor when Nantes defender Nicolas Cozza received a red card barely eight minutes later, leaving his team at a numerical disadvantage. Monaco seized this opportunity to dominate the match, showcasing their attacking prowess.
By the end of the first half, Minamino had already made his mark. He first assisted Luka Bieleis, who equalized for Monaco just before the whistle blew, setting the stage for Minamino’s highlight moment just seconds later. At the stroke of halftime, Minamino made a breathtaking contribution to the scoreline, executing a brilliant direct volley from Lamine Kamara's long pass to net the second goal and give his team the lead.
“The goal was reminiscent of some of the best finishes I’ve seen,” one enthusiastic fan remarked on social media, echoing the sentiment shared by many about the quality of Minamino’s volley. It wasn’t just any goal; it was timed perfectly and struck with precision, demonstrating his technical ability and composure under pressure.
Upon returning from the break, Monaco confirmed their superiority. Just minutes after the second half began, Minamino was at it again, orchestrally conducting the play with his vision. He laid on another assist for Elías Ben Segal to score the third goal for Monaco, extending their lead to 3-1.
Nantes struggled to regain control after falling behind, and Monaco's attack kept relentlessly pressing forward. Mika Bieleis scored twice more, completing his hat trick with the fourth and fifth goals of the match. The scoreboard now read 5-1, and Minamino’s influence continued filling the stat sheet, reflecting his return to form after some lackluster performances earlier this season.
Minamino was substituted off at the 61-minute mark, but his contributions had already solidified his standing as one of the match’s standout players. Even after his exit, Monaco’s momentum didn’t wane, with them eventually scoring two more goals, wrapping up the match at 7-1. This emphatic victory marks the team’s first win after three matches without securing three points.
Minamino’s two assists and his second goal of the season reflect his growing importance within the squad, as he aims to build on this performance when Monaco faces Benfica in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage coming up. The team's next match scheduled for February 19 poses another test for Minamino's skills against formidable opposition.
The result not only lifted Monaco’s spirits but also solidified their ambitions within the league, positioning them as serious contenders as they strive for European qualification spots. After the match, Minamino spoke about the importance of every player contributing to the team’s success which can be pivotal as the season progresses. “Every one of us is driving for improvement,” he stated, highlighting the unity and focus within the squad. With such performances, Minamino is not only securing his place as one of Monaco’s key players but also winning the admiration of fans and pundits alike.