Football

Monaco Stun PSG at Parc des Princes to Claim Ligue 1 Lead

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 5, 2026, 09:16 IST

Paris Saint-Germain remain winless in Ligue 1 after a 2-1 home defeat to Monaco. Despite an early lead from captain Marquinhos, second-half goals from Flavio Nazinho and Stanis Idumbo secured victory for the visitors.

Monaco Stun PSG at Parc des Princes to Claim Ligue 1 Lead

Paris Saint-Germain’s challenging start to the domestic campaign continued on Friday night as they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Monaco at the Parc des Princes. The result leaves the reigning champions without a win in their opening three Ligue 1 fixtures, while the visitors move to the top of the table with a perfect record.

The hosts appeared to be in control after captain Marquinhos broke the deadlock in the 31st minute. The Brazilian defender connected with a cross from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, steering the ball home with his chest to give his side a deserved advantage in their first home match of the season. Despite the loss, PSG manager Luis Enrique, who recently signed a contract extension keeping him at the club until 2030, insisted his team performed well enough to secure a different outcome.

Monaco Turn the Tide in Second Half

Monaco, managed by former Atletico Madrid defender Filipe Luis, responded with intensity after the interval. After Maghnes Akliouche struck the crossbar early in the second half, the visitors found their breakthrough in the 58th minute. Portuguese left-back Flavio Nazinho rose at the back post to head in a delivery from Jordan Teze, leveling the score.

The momentum shifted firmly in favor of the principality side in the 72nd minute. Aleksandr Golovin provided the assist for Stanis Idumbo, who beat goalkeeper Matvey Safonov at his near post to complete the turnaround. PSG attempted to salvage a result by introducing Ousmane Dembele and Ferran Torres from the bench, but they were unable to break down the Monaco defense. A late effort from Torres was ruled out for offside, and Dembele was thwarted by a significant save from goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky in stoppage time.

Context of a Difficult Start

The defeat leaves PSG with only two points from their first three matches, placing them seven points behind the league leaders. Luis Enrique expressed frustration following the match, noting that his side created numerous opportunities but were ultimately denied by an outstanding performance from the opposing goalkeeper. The club now shifts its focus to the Champions League, where they are set to face Slovan Bratislava next week.

For Monaco, the victory marks a positive development following a turbulent week that included transfer market complications involving Folarin Balogun and Lamine Camara. While Balogun remains sidelined, the squad demonstrated resilience to secure their third consecutive league win. Elsewhere in Ligue 1, Lyon moved into second place with a 3-1 victory over Auxerre, while Lille currently sit level with them on points following a midweek win against Toulouse.