PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN (PSG) secured a pivotal 4-2 victory over AS Monaco at the Stade Louis II on December 24, 2024, showcasing spectacular performances from key players including Ousmane Dembélé, who netted two goals, and Gonçalo Ramos, who scored the decisive third goal to keep PSG at the top of the Ligue 1 standings.
The match began with PSG taking charge early on. Notable was Achraf Hakimi’s early shot hitting the post, setting the tone for the visitors (Reported by AS.com). Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG's first-choice goalkeeper, got injured after trying to thwart Monaco’s Wilfried Singo, who accidentally struck him near the eye with his studs. This injury forced him to leave the field, leading Matvei Safonov to take his place (According to AS.com).
The opening goal arrived shortly after when Désiré Doué capitalized on Hakimi's impressive play, giving PSG the lead with a well-placed shot. Doué’s performance was particularly remarkable, as he had been instrumental in the preceding matches, contributing significantly to PSG’s attack (Reported by AS.com).
Monaco, refusing to be subdued by the early setback, bounced back strongly after halftime. Within minutes, Marquinhos of PSG was penalized for handball, allowing Ben Seguir to convert from the spot and level the match (According to AS.com). This pivotal moment ignited Monaco and soon after, Breel Embolo put Monaco ahead 2-1, capitalizing on clever play from Akliouche.
Yet, PSG's response was swift. Ousmane Dembélé came to the fore, equalizing to make it 2-2 with a neat finish following some confusion in the Monaco defense (Reported by AS.com). This marked Dembélé's return to form, demonstrating his ability to change the tide of the match for PSG.
With the game balanced precariously, PSG’s manager Luis Enrique made timely substitutions, introducing Gonçalo Ramos. He would prove decisive, heading home from a corner delivered by Kang-in Lee, putting PSG back in front 3-2 with just minutes remaining (According to AS.com).
The final goal of the match came from Dembélé again, who finished off a counter-attack after receiving the ball from Fabián Ruiz. His neat lob over the keeper sealed the victory for PSG and capped off his outstanding performance, marking his eighth league goal this season (Reported by AS.com).
Post-match, Enrique hailed the performance of Dembélé and the contributions of Ramos, emphasizing the importance of each player’s involvement for the team's confidence moving forward. This win not only extended PSG's lead at the top of Ligue 1 to ten points but also dealt a significant blow to Monaco's title aspirations (According to AS.com).
Monaco, who remain competitive but now face considerable pressure, will need to regroup as they prepare for their upcoming matches, particularly knowing they will meet PSG again for the Supercopa de France on January 5, 2025 (According to AS.com).
The match showcased the intensity and competitiveness of French football, with both teams pushing their limits. PSG’s resilience combined with Monaco's fighting spirit provided fans with another thrilling chapter of this storied rivalry.
