AS Monaco faced another disappointing setback as they drew 0-0 against Reims at the Stade Auguste-Delaune II on December 14, 2024. This result allowed Paris Saint-Germain to maintain their lead at the top of Ligue 1, leaving Monaco scrambling to keep pace behind them.
The match, described as frustrating for Monaco, showcased the team's continued struggles with finishing. Despite creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities, Monaco failed to convert, with forward Takumi Minamino particularly culpable, missing at least five clear chances to score.
"El Mónaco le pone en bandeja la liga al PSG," declared Diario AS, highlighting how the outcome of the match handed PSG an unchallenged path to the top of the standings. Both Monaco and Marseille squandered golden opportunities to apply pressure on the Parisian club, who had not played their match yet. This result was especially disappointing for Monaco as they sought to capitalize on Marseille's earlier draw against Lille.
The encounter was not entirely one-sided. Reims, managed by Luka Elsner, put forth a spirited performance, forcing Monaco to navigate through several challenging moments on the pitch. Reims had already managed to hold PSG and Lyon to draws on their home turf and displayed resilience against Monaco. They posed threats, particularly through Diakité, who came close to scoring with a shot against the crossbar.
Monaco's coach, Léonard Hütter, began the match with several rotations aimed at boosting the squad's energy levels. "El Mónaco salió del túnel de vestuarios como un obús," noted the report, indicating Monaco's intent to start strongly after halftime. Despite their aggressive approach, they found themselves thwarted by their own inadequacies.
The match became increasingly tense as time went on, with both teams exchanging possession and opportunities. Monaco's lack of accuracy became evident as Minamino and other forwards—like Ilenikhena and Ben Seghir—were unable to find the back of the net. Even when Reims looked weary, Monaco struggled to capitalize, leading to frustration among the players and fans alike.
Diakité from Reims almost salvaged the game when he hit the woodwork late on, serving as a reminder of the fine margins between victory and defeat. The game ended without goals, and Monaco left the pitch empty-handed.
This draw leaves Monaco in need of significant adjustments as they contend for their standing within the league. With PSG setting the pace, anything less than decisive performances will find Monaco sacrificing their ambitions this season.
The hopeful approach they need, characterized by efficient execution, is still just out of reach, leading to pressing questions about their capacity to challenge PSG effectively. Can they turn around this form, or are they destined to remain out of the title race?
