Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) triumphed 4-2 over AS Monaco on December 18, 2024, extending their unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 season. Despite this significant victory, PSG suffered the blow of losing goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to a serious facial injury during the match held at Stade Louis II.
The match was intense from the start, with both teams eager to secure points. PSG took the lead with Désiré Doué scoring his first league goal after receiving a well-placed cross from Achraf Hakimi. Doué did not hesitate to slot the ball home from close range, putting the visitors up 1-0 early on.
Monaco, known for their strong home performance this season, initially struggled to respond. Their efforts culminated when Donnarumma suffered his gruesome injury after being inadvertently kicked by Monaco defender Wilfried Singo. The Italian international left the pitch bloodied and requiring staples, replaced by Matvey Safonov before the first half concluded.
"I don't know if the referee was badly positioned, but VAR needed to intervene, you have to protect the players. To not give a red in a situation like this, it's a big call," lamented PSG captain Marquinhos on the incident.
Following the interval, the match took on a different tempo. Eliesse Ben Seghir drew Monaco level by converting a penalty awarded for Marquinhos' handball, much to the dismay of the PSG fans. Just minutes later, Breel Embolo put Monaco ahead, poking the ball past Safonov following a pivotal cross from Maghnes Akliouche. This turn of events put PSG’s impressive 31-match unbeaten away record at serious risk.
Realizing the urgency, Ousmane Dembélé responded swiftly for PSG, scoring the equalizer with a poised shot from inside the box. Just shortly after, Gonçalo Ramos, after being subbed onto the field, headed the ball home from Lee Kang-In's corner, allowing PSG to regain the lead.
Dembélé sealed the victory with his second goal deep in stoppage time, sending PSG fans and players alike erupting with joy. "Ousmane Dembélé struck again deep in stoppage time to seal victory," noted the match report. This marked a triumphant return to form for the winger, who had reportedly faced some tensions with PSG head coach Luis Enrique.
With this match wrapped up, PSG opened up a considerable ten-point gap over their closest challengers, Marseille and Monaco, solidifying their position at the top of the Ligue 1 table. With this win, they are set to confront Lens next, where they hope to secure another three points before the year concludes.
Despite the positives from the game, PSG will still have concerns about Donnarumma’s injury. The Italian keeper will undergo assessments aimed at determining the extent of his injuries. For now, PSG fans can only hope he bounces back quickly, as they aim for continued dominance both domestically and in Europe.
