Monaco extended Paris Saint-Germain’s difficult start to the season by winning 2-1 in Paris, with Aleksandr Golovin providing the assist for the decisive goal and Matvey Safonov conceding twice.
The Ligue 1 third-round match took place on 4 September at the Stade de France. Monaco arrived as the unexpected early leaders after winning their opening two matches without conceding, while PSG were already under pressure after two draws in the league and defeat by Monaco in the French Super Cup.
The contrasting form had turned a traditionally familiar fixture on its head. PSG, normally the dominant side in this pairing, began the evening in 11th place. Monaco, meanwhile, were the only team with a perfect record after the first two rounds.
Both Russian players started the match. Golovin was part of the Monaco side looking to maintain its perfect opening, while Safonov was selected in goal for PSG as the champions attempted to regain momentum against the new league leaders.
PSG controlled the opening stages, although their attacks were built at a measured pace. The hosts repeatedly tested Monaco goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky with efforts from outside the penalty area, but the Finland international dealt with the pressure comfortably for much of the first half.
The breakthrough came shortly before the half-hour mark following a corner. PSG’s initial delivery failed to create a chance, but the home side kept the attack alive down the left. Warren Zaire-Emery started the move, Fabian Ruiz extended it towards Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and the Georgian sent a low ball across the box.
Marquinhos appeared close to making contact with his elbow but instead steered the ball into the net with his chest to give PSG a 1-0 lead.
Kvaratskhelia then forced another save from Hradecky with a powerful long-range strike, but PSG created little else before the interval.
Monaco levelled shortly before the hour. Jordan Teze won possession at the second attempt on the right and delivered a cross after Fabian Ruiz had fallen. The ball travelled over Joao Neves, allowing Nazinho to arrive and place a finish into the unguarded corner.
Ten minutes later, Monaco completed the turnaround. Zakaria collected the ball in midfield and drove the attack forward, although his pass became stuck in traffic. Golovin reacted quickly, winning the loose ball and releasing it first-time to the left.
Idumbo took possession, moved towards the edge of the six-yard box and fired past Safonov at the near post to make it 2-1.
Monaco managed the remainder of the contest with confidence. They did not retreat completely, instead preserving their lead while continually offering the threat of a counter-attack.
PSG again relied heavily on Vitinha to create opportunities. The Portugal midfielder produced an excellent diagonal pass to find Ousmane Dembele, but the forward’s assist for Ferran Torres came from an offside position, meaning the ball was immediately ruled out.
Monaco defended effectively against further attempts from Dembele and held on for a third victory in their first three Ligue 1 matches. PSG, by contrast, suffered their first defeat of the campaign after beginning the league season with two consecutive draws, extending their troubled run to three matches without a win.