In an exhilarating clash at Stade Louis-II, AS Monaco triumphed over local rivals OGC Nice with a score of 2-1 in the much-anticipated Derby de la Côte d'Azur on March 29, 2025. This victory not only secured bragging rights for Monaco but also delayed Paris Saint-Germain's title celebrations, keeping the race for the Ligue 1 crown alive for at least another week.
The match commenced with high stakes, as a draw would have allowed PSG to clinch the championship, especially following Marseille's loss to Reims and PSG's own victory over Saint-Etienne earlier in the day. However, it was Nice who struck first, taking the lead with a brilliant header from Jérémie Boga, who found the bottom-left corner following a precise cross from Jonathan Clauss.
Monaco, determined to turn the tide, faced an early setback when Mika Biereth's penalty was saved by Nice's goalkeeper Marcin Bulka. Biereth, however, showed resilience and made amends by scoring the equalizer just ten minutes into the second half, lashing the ball into the top right corner after a well-placed assist from Maghnes Akliouche.
The match continued to intensify as Monaco pushed for a second goal, dominating possession and creating several chances. Bulka was forced into action multiple times, making crucial saves to keep Nice in the game. Yet, the momentum shifted decisively when Breel Embolo, who had been a constant threat, scored the winner in the 73rd minute. Embolo's powerful shot from the center of the box found the top left corner, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
As the game neared its conclusion, Nice's frustrations boiled over. Veteran defender Dante was shown a red card for a professional foul on Akliouche, compounding the visitors' woes as they struggled to find an equalizer in the closing stages.
With this victory, Monaco leapfrogged Olympique de Marseille into second place in the Ligue 1 standings, now sitting 21 points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain with seven matches remaining in the season. This win also marked Monaco's fifth consecutive home victory in the league, a feat they had not achieved since the 2022 season.
Statistically, Monaco has demonstrated remarkable resilience this season, having gained 16 points from losing positions, more than any other team in Ligue 1. In contrast, Nice has suffered from a tendency to drop points, now having lost 19 points from winning positions, the highest in the league.
As the match concluded, the atmosphere was electric, with Monaco fans celebrating their team's ability to come from behind and secure a crucial win. The victory over Nice also marked the 58th time Monaco has defeated their rivals in all competitions, a record that highlights their historical dominance in this fixture.
Looking ahead, both teams will need to regroup as the Ligue 1 season progresses. Monaco will aim to maintain their momentum as they chase PSG, while Nice will need to find a way to stop their current run of three games without a win.
In player ratings, Marcin Bulka stood out for Nice with a score of 7, showcasing his shot-stopping ability, particularly in the first half. On the other hand, Monaco's Akliouche received high praise for his creativity and playmaking skills, earning a rating of 7 as well.
This derby not only showcased the fierce rivalry between the two clubs but also highlighted the ongoing battle for supremacy in Ligue 1. With the title race still open and both teams vying for points, the excitement is set to continue in the coming weeks.
