PARIS: (Sports Desk) – Paris Saint-Germain‘s difficult start to their Ligue 1 title defence continued on Friday as Monaco came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory at the Parc des Princes.
PSG captain Marquinhos put the hosts ahead shortly after the half-hour mark, converting Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s dangerous delivery across goal. PSG appeared in control, but Monaco produced a strong second-half response.
Flavio Nazinho brought Monaco level in the 58th minute, heading Jordan Teze’s cross into the net at the far post. Sixteen minutes later, Stanis Idumbo completed the comeback by beating Matvey Safonov at his near post after being set up by Aleksandr Golovin.
The defeat leaves PSG with only two points from their opening three league matches, while Monaco sit at the summit with a perfect nine points.
The result came on the same day PSG confirmed that Luis Enrique had extended his contract for another three years, keeping him at the club until 2030. The Spanish coach insisted afterward that his side deserved victory, pointing to their greater possession and number of chances.
PSG’s domestic struggles have followed a difficult opening to the season. They lost to Lens in the French Champions Trophy before drawing against Rennes and Lille in their first two Ligue 1 fixtures.
Despite their poor league form, PSG have already lifted the UEFA Super Cup after defeating Aston Villa. They will now turn their attention to their Champions League campaign, which begins next week at home against Slovan Bratislava.
Monaco’s victory was particularly impressive given the uncertainty surrounding the club during the final days of the transfer window. Their proposed £40 million move for US forward Folarin Balogun to Everton collapsed, while a separate transfer involving Lamine Camara and Chelsea also failed to materialise.
Balogun was not included in Monaco’s squad and has yet to feature for the club this season. Coach Filipe Luis said the striker would remain available while he was fit and under contract.
PSG pushed for an equaliser late in the game, with Ousmane Dembele and Ferran Torres introduced from the bench. Torres had a goal ruled out for offside, while Monaco goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky made a crucial save from Dembele in stoppage time to preserve the visitors’ win.
The defeat marks the second consecutive season in which Monaco have beaten PSG away from home.
Elsewhere, Lyon moved into second after a 3-1 victory over Auxerre, while Lille remained level on points with Lyon following their 1-0 win at Toulouse.
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