Lyon Dashes Monaco’s Slim Title Hopes and Keeps European Aspirations Alive in Ligue 1 Thriller

Olympique Lyonnais secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over AS Monaco in Ligue 1, dealing a blow to the Monégasques’ UEFA Champions League aspirations and mathematically confirming Paris Saint-Germain as the title winners.

The visitors made a blistering start, with Wissam Ben Yedder netting his 16th goal of the season just 20 seconds into the game, a decision upheld by VAR after being ruled onside.

Monaco believed they had extended their lead through Folarin Balogun’s strike, only for the goal to be disallowed due to offside.

Former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette pulled Lyon level midway through the first half, capitalizing on Said Benrahma’s cross.

Benrahma himself then put Lyon ahead just four minutes later with a clinical finish.

Lyon came close to extending their lead before halftime when Lacazette’s effort from a corner was cleared off the line by Monaco.

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Lacazette missed a golden opportunity for a hat-trick early in the second half, his diving header going over the bar.

However, Monaco equalized against the run of play as Ben Yedder completed his brace with a header on the hour mark.

Ben Yedder, aiming for a hat-trick, narrowly missed the target with another chance.

Despite Ben Yedder finding the net again later in the game, his effort was ruled out for offside.

In a thrilling finale, Lyon secured victory as Malick Fofana found the back of the net after a well-executed move involving Lacazette, who had earlier hit the post.

The win marked Lyon’s sixth consecutive league victory over Monaco at the Groupama Stadium, while Monaco’s Champions League qualification now hangs in the balance.