On December 18, 2024, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) triumphed over AS Monaco with a score of 4-2 in a thrilling encounter at the Stade Louis II, effectively maintaining their dominant position at the top of Ligue 1.
This match was particularly significant as it marked the final league game of the year for both teams, each aiming to consolidate their standings before heading on winter break. With PSG leading the league with 37 points going in, and Monaco trailing at 30 points, the stakes were undeniably high.
PSG started the match with impressive fervor. Just three minutes in, defender Achraf Hakimi struck the post with a powerful cross, signaling PSG's offensive intent early on. Five minutes later, João Neves almost unlocked the scoring, racing down the left flank before being thwarted by Monaco's goalkeeper, who made a decisive stop.
The first half continued with PSG applying relentless pressure. After several near misses, the visitors finally broke the deadlock on the 24th minute when Dézire Dûé finished from close range following a well-placed cross from Hakimi. PSG's anticipation indicated their determination to leave with all three points.
Despite heading to halftime with just a single goal lead, PSG appeared confident. They dominated possession and created multiple opportunities, but were unable to extend their lead before the break.
Monaco, buoyed by their home crowd, returned for the second half with renewed vigor. The game took a drastic turn when Monaco was awarded a penalty at the 52-minute mark following Marquinhos' handling foul inside the box. Elise Ben Seghir stepped up to equalize from the spot, sending the match back to level terms.
The sudden shift revitalized Monaco, and only eight minutes later, they pulled off what seemed like the unthinkable: Breel Embolo headed home from close range, giving Monaco their first lead of the match. Although they had initially struggled, this goal sparked belief across the pitch.
Yet, PSG responded with their own swift counterattack as Ousmane Dembélé equalized just four minutes later, slamming home the rebound from Fabian Ruiz's effort. This dramatic back-and-forth continued to electrify fans, as the match took on the feeling of a classic heavyweight showdown.
Both teams traded chances with momentum swinging wildly. Nevertheless, PSG's strength and depth began to show through. With only seven minutes remaining, Gonçalo Ramos emerged as the match-winner, nodding home the header from compatriot Lee Kang-in’s corner kick to push PSG back ahead.
Not content with merely edging the lead, PSG capped off their scoring with another goal from Dembélé during injury time, securing the 4-2 victory after Monaco’s Takumi Minamino had unsuccessfully tried to rally his team with two late shots, missing the target both times.
After the match, Dembélé remarked, "We kept our composure and fought back hard to secure the win. It wasn't easy, but our team's spirit shone through." Coach Luis Enrique praised his players for their resilience, saying, "It was frustrating to concede but we showed our character to fight back, and that's what champions do." Meanwhile, Minamino reflected on the defeat, stating, "We need to learn from this and come back stronger next time."
With this victory, PSG continued their unbeaten streak in the league, proving they are serious contenders for this season's title. They lead by a comfortable margin over the rest of the league, setting the tone for the second half of the season.
PSG's next fixture aims to build on this momentum as they head toward more challenging matches, but for now, they celebrate this hard-fought victory against their rivals, AS Monaco.
