PSG continued its strong performance by defeating Monaco 4-1 at Parc des Princes, marking their third consecutive victory over them this season. Goals from Vitinha, “Kvara,” and two from Ousmane Dembélé, who now has 16 goals in his last 10 matches, secured the win. Despite a brief equalizer from Denis Zakaria, PSG’s dominance solidified their top position in Ligue 1, extending their lead to 16 points over Monaco, who currently sit third.
PSG Continues Its Dominance Over Monaco
The saying goes, “never two without three,” and PSG proved this to be true once again. Following their triumphs over Monaco at the Louis II Stadium (2-4) and in Doha during the Trophée des champions (1-0), the Parisians claimed yet another victory on Friday at Parc des Princes, winning 4-1 in the 21st matchday of Ligue 1. Goals from Vitinha, “Kvara,” and two from Ousmane Dembélé secured the win, while Denis Zakaria found the net for Monaco. This victory not only solidifies PSG’s position at the top of the league but also extends their lead to an impressive 16 points over ASM, who currently sit third but face competition from Lille and Nice. With contract renewals for key players like Luis Enrique, Mendes, Hakimi, and Vitinha announced before the match, it was a night to remember for the Rouge et Bleu, who remain unbeaten in the league and other competitions since their loss to Bayern Munich in late November.
A Thrilling Encounter with Momentum Shifts
From the outset, PSG dominated possession, yet the first real opportunity fell to Monaco. Capitalizing on a mistake from the right-back Neves, Minamino found himself unmarked in the box, but his shot lacked power (5th minute). Paris then showcased their penchant for scoring after conceding a significant chance, with Vitinha celebrating his contract extension by netting a stunning free kick at the near post (1-0, 6th minute), catching Majecki off guard. PSG continued to assert their dominance, exhibiting creative play through “Kvara” and effective combinations. However, a brilliant pass from Magassa allowed Zakaria to slip past Mendes and equalize (1-1, 17th minute). While PSG maintained control, they struggled to convert their chances, with a long-range shot from Vitinha failing to find the back of the net (21st minute). The match remained tense, with both sides exchanging opportunities but heading into halftime tied at 1-1.
The second half saw a shift in momentum as Paris intensified their efforts. The breakthrough came when Barcola, previously quiet, assisted Kvaratskhelia, who skillfully maneuvered past defenders to score his first goal for the club (2-1, 54th minute). Dembélé soon followed suit, unleashing a powerful strike after a swift one-two with Doué (3-1, 57th minute). Monaco appeared overwhelmed, and despite a few attempts from Golovin and Zakaria, they struggled to regain their footing. Dembélé capped off the night with a second goal just before the final whistle (4-1, 90th minute), marking an incredible 16 goals in his last 10 matches and extending his scoring streak to seven consecutive games.
In conclusion, it was a decisive victory for Luis Enrique’s squad as they triumphed 4-1 in this high-stakes encounter between two Champions League contenders. PSG will face Brest next on Tuesday, while Monaco prepares for a challenging match against Benfica the following day. It’s worth noting that Lille has already secured a spot in the Champions League round of 16, with PSG or Brest poised to join them.