Simon Adingra scores twice as AS Monaco strike early and survive Golovin’s red card to beat Nantes 3-1 and stay in the European qualification hunt.
AS Monaco struck with ruthless efficiency to seize control against FC Nantes at Stade Louis II on Friday night. After a measured opening, the hosts began to impose themselves through sustained pressure and quick ball circulation. Folarin Balogun and Vanderson both tested the Nantes defence during the opening exchanges. The breakthrough arrived in the 25th minute following an intense pressing phase high up the pitch.
Simon Adingra opened the scoring with a close-range finish after Balogun was denied by Anthony Lopes. The Ivorian winger struck again just three minutes later, punishing a defensive lapse with a right footed effort. Nantes barely had time to regroup before Monaco struck for a third. Denis Zakaria capped the dominant spell in the 30th minute, curling a composed finish into the top corner after a selfless assist from Aleksandr Golovin.
Despite being overrun, Nantes found a lifeline in first half stoppage time. A lapse at the back allowed Fabien Centonze to finish from close range and reduce the deficit. The goal shifted the mood heading into halftime and offered the visitors renewed belief. Monaco still went into the interval with a two-goal cushion, but the contest remained alive.
The second half began at a slower tempo, with Nantes pushing higher up the pitch. Philipp Köhn was alert early on to smother a low effort from Matthis Abline. The match turned on the hour mark when Golovin was sent off for dissent, leaving Monaco with ten men. From that point, the hosts dropped deeper and focused on defensive structure.
Nantes controlled territory after the dismissal but struggled to create clear chances. Wout Faes produced a crucial clearance late on as pressure mounted in the closing stages. Monaco remained compact and disciplined, limiting shooting angles and slowing the tempo effectively. Ansu Fati nearly sealed the contest in stoppage time, but Lopes denied him at close range.
Adingra was the decisive figure, scoring twice on his first home start for Monaco. Zakaria led by example from midfield, combining composure with defensive coverage. Faes anchored the back line during the tense final half hour. Golovin’s red card was the only blemish on an otherwise controlled team performance.
Monaco scored three times from their opening burst of pressure, with all goals arriving inside six minutes. The hosts generated the majority of their threat before halftime and managed the game well afterward. Nantes struggled to convert possession into chances despite their numerical advantage. Köhn finished with several routine saves but was rarely tested cleanly.
The victory keeps Monaco firmly in contention for European qualification in Ligue 1. Back-to-back home wins have strengthened their momentum at a critical stage of the season. Monaco next host Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League playoff first leg on Tuesday. Nantes, meanwhile, in the drop zone and face growing pressure in the coming fixtures.
