AS Monaco continued their impressive home form, coming back from a one-goal deficit to defeat a determined FC Metz side 5-2 at Stade Louis II. The star of the show was substitute Ansu Fati, whose two second-half goals turned the tide and sealed the victory for Adi Hütter’s team. The result lifts Monaco to second place in the Ligue 1 table.
Metz, who had struggled to find the net this season, shocked the home crowd by taking an early lead in the 13th minute. A perfectly weighted pass from Cheikh Sabaly found Habib Diallo, who calmly slotted the ball past Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Kohn. Metz nearly doubled their lead soon after, but Kohn was on hand to make a crucial save, a moment that would prove pivotal.
Just before the half-hour mark, Monaco found their equalizer with their first shot on target. Mika Biereth expertly converted Takumi Minamino’s brilliant cross from close range, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.
The second half began with a bang for Monaco. Ansu Fati, brought on as a half-time substitute, made an immediate impact, expertly slotting home a pass from Lamine Camara to put his side in the lead. Despite Monaco’s dominance, Metz fought back, and in the 67th minute, Gauthier Hein converted a penalty after a foul by Minamino to level the score once more, raising hopes of an upset.
However, Ansu Fati, who has been in scintillating form, restored Monaco’s lead in the 83rd minute with a well-taken header from a Krepin Diatta delivery. The late drama continued as a Koffi Kouao own goal and a fine fifth goal from substitute George Ilenikhena in injury time put the game beyond doubt, cementing a convincing win for Monaco.
The victory extends Monaco’s remarkable home record to 11 matches unbeaten and moves them up the table. Meanwhile, a spirited Metz side remains rooted at the bottom of the league, still searching for their first win since their promotion.
