Monaco 1-0 PSG: Minamino nets match-winner to halt defending champions

Takumi Minamino scored the decisive goal as ten-man Monaco held on for a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.

Minamino provided a sign of things to come as he forced Lucas Chevalier into a brilliant stop just before the half-hour mark at Stade Louis II, firing a sweet volley on target at the near post.

PSG then survived a double scare from Mohammed Salisu before the break as the Ghanian first struck the woodwork with an unmarked header, before seeing a close-range goal off Caio Henrique’s inviting cross ruled out for offside.

The visitors came out after the break with plenty of intent as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia poked a clever shot across goal to the far post, forcing Lukas Hradecky into action before Senny Mayulu sent a deft header agonisingly wide.

Minamino finally broke the deadlock in the 68th minute, collecting Aleksandr Golovin’s clipped cross neatly before steering a composed half-volley past a rooted Chevalier.

Luis Enrique’s side pushed for a late response and saw their task eased as former PSG defender Thilo Kehrer was sent off in the 80th minute for a lazy shove on Ibrahim Mbaye.

Vitinha and João Neves both threatened in stoppage time, but their profligacy ultimately capped off a lacklustre outing from PSG, who still hold a two-point cushion at the top of the table. Monaco, meanwhile, sit sixth.

Data Debrief: Monaco frustrate PSG yet again

Monaco extended their strong record against PSG on Saturday, having now beaten them more often than any other side in Ligue 1 with 46 wins in 99 matches.

PSG, though, will feel they should have got more from the game, having generated almost double the expected goals (xG) – 1.01 xG to Monaco’s 0.52.

Despite producing fewer chances, Monaco were the more clinical side in front of goal, registering five shots on target to PSG’s four.