Monaco starts its Ligue 1 season successfully against Strasbourg
Paris, August 6, 2022 (AFP) – Monaco capitalized on a favorable late call from VAR to claim a 2-1 victory at Strasbourg in their opening game of the Ligue 1 campaign on Saturday.
The Principality side were leading 2-0 and sailing when Sofiane Diop struck early in the second half to add to Krepin Diatta’s magnificent opener in Alsace.
However, Habib Diallo pulled one back for Strasbourg and then appeared to have recovered a draw when he nodded into the net in the second minute of added time, only for the referee to disallow the goal for an off. marginal play after consulting the VAR.
It’s a welcome win for Monaco before they travel to the Netherlands to face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League third qualifying round, midweek second leg.
Deprived of second place in Ligue 1 and automatic qualification for the Champions League group stage in a dramatic final last season, Monaco instead finished third and therefore have to go through two qualifying matches in the European elite club competition.
Belgium coach Philippe Clement made six changes to the squad which drew 1-1 at home to Ruud van Nistelrooy’s PSV in the first leg, with Japanese star Takumi Minamino, who recently arrived from Liverpool, the one of those who gave up.
Senegalese international Diatta, recently returned from a long injury, came on and opened the scoring in breathtaking fashion two minutes from the break at the Stade de la Meinau.
Axel Disasi nodded from a corner and Diatta connected the first time on the volley from the edge of the box to make it 1-0.
Monaco doubled their lead eight minutes after the restart when Diop converted from close range after Strasbourg keeper Matz Sels could only fire a low ball driven in front of goal by Gelson Martins.
Strasbourg, who themselves have narrowly missed out on European qualification this season, pulled one back in the 65th minute when Diatta’s compatriot Diallo headed in from a Thomas Delaine cross.
He then thought he had salvaged a draw when he nodded after Alexander Djiku assisted on another cross from Delaine, but the home celebrations were interrupted by VAR.
Defending champion Paris Saint-Germain begins his title defense in Clermont later on Saturday.
Kylian Mbappé will miss the match due to an adductor problem.
Lyon beat newly-promoted Ajaccio 2-1 on Friday as the season opener, Alexandre Lacazette scoring what turned out to be the winner with a penalty in his first appearance since returning to the club from Arsenal.