AS Monaco ended their poor run in the most unexpected way: by defeating Paris Saint-Germain (1-0) at the Stade Louis II, putting Luis Enrique’s side’s Ligue 1 lead in serious jeopardy. The Monegasque team, who had been dragging three straight defeats and a noticeable drop in form, found their turning point with a goal from Takumi Minamino, enough to bring down a PSG that played with too much complacency until it was too late to react.

Minamino Punishes PSG’s Passivity

PSG’s tempo was surprisingly low for a team coming off a dominant win over Tottenham in the Champions League. Lacking intensity, fluidity and cohesion between lines, the Parisians let slip a golden chance to increase their lead at the top of Ligue 1.

Monaco, more focused and aggressive, threatened early with several set pieces led by an imposing Mohammed Salisu, who dominated both boxes. The centre-back had two clear chances: a low shot saved by Lucas Chevalier and later a header off the post.

The hosts even celebrated what they thought was a Salisu goal from a corner, but it was ruled out for offside after VAR review. Still, PSG didn’t wake up. Their passivity continued into the second half, when the decisive 1-0 arrived.

A long ball from Salisu to Aleksandr Golovin split the PSG defense. The Russian sent a low cross into the box, where Minamino finished clinically at the near post, leaving Chevalier with no chance.

A Useless Numerical Advantage and a Race Against the Clock

Monaco suffered a setback in the 80th minute when Thilo Kehrer was sent off for a foul on Mbaye as he charged toward goal. With a man advantage, PSG finally increased their tempo, but urgency turned into rushed decisions.

Ousmane Dembélé had the clearest chance to equalize, but Finnish goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky produced a brilliant save. The keeper held firm in the closing minutes, securing a victory worth far more than three points: it halts Monaco’s crisis and reignites their European aspirations.

For PSG, the defeat throws their lead into doubt. If Olympique de Marseille win their match against Toulouse, Luis Enrique’s side will lose their place at the top of the table.

Monaco, meanwhile, can breathe again. And they do so by beating the champions.