Monaco struck a big blow last night by winning on the PSG pitch (3-1) at the opening of the 25th day of Ligue 1. From the first minutes, we understood that the evening would be difficult for the reigning European champion, whose crown is more threatened than ever before the double confrontation against Chelsea in the Champions League. If Paris disappointed, as too often in 2026, it is also because the Asemists have raised their level of play in recent weeks, displaying impressive defensive solidity in particular (4 goals conceded in the last six Ligue 1 matches).
The Rocher club occupies 5th place this morning, while awaiting the other matches of its direct competitors. He has completely relaunched himself in the race for the podium (5 points behind Lyon) and above all for a qualifying place in the Champions League. After a complicated start, and even a very turbulent one with the slap received at Real Madrid in C1 (6-1), Sébastien Pocognoli found the springs allowing his team to get back on track. Zakaria has been placed back in the axis of defense, Coulibaly brings his volume to the middle and the Akliouche-Balogun duo, both scorers last night, works.
Scorer and passer against PSG
The French international (5 caps, 1 goal) even scored points three months before the World Cup. He who seemed to be losing momentum since the fall, has managed to get back on track. First a scorer by taking advantage of Zaire-Emery’s big mistake, the 24-year-old attacking midfielder then offered his team’s 3rd goal to Balogun, sealing the victory for his team. “With above-average technical quality, the young player then kept his balls with ease in the second act. In support of his teammates, he gave everything», summarized our editorial team yesterday, which elected him man of the match by giving him an 8.
Didier Deschamps was probably in front of the match yesterday, he who holds these confrontations between big teams in very high esteem. “I know why he performs well at times. I know why he had a harder time. I know what he brings to the teamindicated Pocognoli after the meeting. He is a creative player. Creative players need to be taken care of. We must allow them to breathe. But when you’re in a negative series, these creative players can sometimes just run out of steam. And it’s up to me to give him, with the staff, this breath of fresh air by supporting him.»
Pocognoli protects him
Less well in the first part of the season, Akliouche (6 goals and 7 assists in 34 matches in all competitions) undoubtedly gave positive ideas to the coach, a few days before the list for the end of March. According to Pocognoli, he must be pampered but also pushed. “By also asking to do more, perhaps, on a daily basis. It’s for his career. I hope he will be selected for the French team. When a Monaco player is selected, it is an honor for us. There are still two games for him to be selected.»And one last list before the World Cup.
