Before the eyes of Prince Albert, the Rock crumbled a little more, revealing the ruins of a season that turned sour. For this first big shock of the year 2026, AS Monaco confirmed its descent into hell by suffering the law of an Olympique Lyonnais in full rebirth (1-3). Sick since the end of 2025, the Monegasques offered a desolate spectacle of scuttling, between chronic bad luck, mental feverishness and gratuitous violence. Lyon, fifth and conqueror, did not ask for so much to march on a drifting opponent.
Hradecky bad luck, Sulc realism
However, the start was not ridiculous. But when nothing goes well, fate persists. From the 10th minute, Lukas Hradecky, the last defense, had to give up his place due to injury. If his substitute Philipp Köhn delayed the deadline with a few inspired saves, he was unable to do anything against OL’s providential man: Pavel Sulc. Already sparkling in the Cup, the Czech appeared at the far post from a Tagliafico corner to open the scoring (38th). Monaco was already on the ropes, betrayed by its physique and punished by Rhone realism.
The turning point in the match, cruel and contested, took place after returning from the locker room. While the score was tied, Thilo Kehrer thought he would give his team the lead with a header (53rd). But the referee canceled the goal for a very questionable foul on Tolisso, provoking the fury of Sébastien Pocognoli. The sanction was immediate and terrible. Four minutes later, following a guilty loss of the ball, the inevitable Sulc signed the double with a recovery from outside the area (57th). The knockout was technical, it was going to become mental.
While waiting for Endrick, Lyon is already marching on Monaco
Lyon dreams, Monaco nightmare
Monegasque frustration then turned into total nonsense. In the 71st minute, Lassana Coulibaly went off the rails, delivering a kick to Tagliafico’s chest worthy of Nigel de Jong in 2010. Logical red card. At ten, ASM definitely sank, conceding a third goal from Abner Vinicius (79th). Lyon was progressing, Monaco was dying.
This victory is a promise for OL. Carried by a Sulc in a state of grace and awaiting the imminent arrival of the Endrick phenomenon, the Gones can legitimately aim for the Champions League. Conversely, Monaco (9th) is sinking into a deep crisis. Sébastien Pocognoli, who arrived during the season, already seems to be in an ejection seat. On the Rock, the year 2026 begins with a grimace soup, and the majesty of the place is no longer enough to mask the misery of the game.
