Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a commanding performance on December 18, 2024, securing a 4-2 victory over AS Monaco at the Stade Louis II, strengthening their position at the top of the Ligue 1 standings.
The thrilling encounter, attended by notable figures including Prince Albert II and President Dmitry Rybolovlev, showcased PSG's attacking prowess and resilience. The match, filled with dramatic moments, saw Gianluigi Donnarumma forced off the pitch due to injury, following a collision with Monaco's Wilfried Singo. This injury, resulting from Singo's attempted jump over Donnarumma, left the Italian goalkeeper bloodied and replaced by Matvey Safonov. "Donnarumma was forced off with a nasty facial injury following this collision," reported by The Washington Post.
Initially, PSG seemed to control the game, with Désiré Doué finding the net at the 24th minute to put his team up. Yet, Monaco showed tenacity, culminating in Eliesse Ben Seghir leveling the score with a penalty just after the halftime break. The match swung again when Breel Embolo scored, propelling Monaco to a temporary lead just after the hour mark.
But PSG responded assertively. Ousmane Dembélé equalized shortly after Embolo's goal, scoring from close range, and regained momentum for the visitors. The match turned breathtaking as Goncalo Ramos came off the bench and headed the ball home from Lee Kang-in's expertly delivered corner kick just seven minutes before time.
For Dembélé, the evening was especially significant as he added another goal deep in stoppage time, completing his brace and ensuring PSG's win. "Everyone saw... it was a very intense match and good Ligue 1 encounter,” reflected Monaco's manager, Adi Hutter, acknowledging PSG's strong first-half performance and their efficient response after falling behind.
Despite the defeat, Monaco remains third, level on points with second-place Marseille, who have one match less. This match result adds pressure as Monaco competes for Champions League qualification. Hutter articulated the situation saying, "We are obviously not happy with this defeat, but I cannot blame my players who tried to put in a good performance." He hinted at his team's resolve, expressing, "I don’t know if Ligue 1 is over. We have to congratulate Paris for their victory, but I’m focusing on Monaco."
PSG's win was also marked by strong performances from their key players. Persistently pressing forward, their skill and tactical awareness were evident throughout the match. Dembélé, who had been pivotal, noted the importance of their latest win, saying, his performance was key to overcoming Monaco's spirited challenge.
Despite their current dominance, PSG faces challenges beyond league play. Currently struggling in the Champions League, sitting on the brink of elimination after several disappointments. Their fluctuated form across competitions remains their primary concern as they prepare for matches against Manchester City and VfB Stuttgart next month.
The Ligue 1 defending champions now hold a solid 10-point lead at the top of the table, their unbeaten streak fuelling hopes of retaining their title. The key stats revealed PSG's significant possession and effective attacking stats with Dembélé and Ramos consistently threatening against Monaco’s defense throughout the match.
The match was originally brought forward due to scheduling conflicts related to the Trophée des Champions set for January 5, 2025. This early clash, filled with high stakes, is expected to echo throughout the rest of the season.
Next up, AS Monaco will aim to bounce back as they transition to the Coupe de France, where they anticipate competing with Union Saint-Jean later this week. Hutter expressed goals to end the year positively, focusing on their own ambitions for the upcoming matches.
This high-profile encounter underscored PSG's title credentials as they continue to dominate the current Ligue 1 season. Their performance should send cautionary signals to rivals as the competition heats up again come early 2025.
