Balogun stunner extends Monaco's winning streak as they close on Champions League spot
AS Monaco solidified their hold on a European place and closed to within a point of the Ligue 1 podium with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Olympique de Marseille at the Stade Louis II on Saturday. The win, a club-record-extending seventh consecutive victory in all competitions, was sealed by a moment of individual brilliance from in-form striker Folarin Balogun.
The hosts, who have been in scintillating form since the turn of the year, broke the deadlock just before the hour mark. After a first half of few clear chances, Aleksandr Golovin broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, finishing a well-worked team move to give Monaco the lead. The points were effectively sealed fifteen minutes later in spectacular fashion. A poor clearance from Marseille's Benjamin Pavard fell to Balogun, who, from a tight angle on the left side of the box, unleashed a stunning, dipping shot that flew over the goalkeeper and into the far corner of the net. The goal was Balogun's 14th league goal of the season and his 10th in his last 11 appearances across all competitions.
A late strike from Amine Gouiri in the 85th minute gave Marseille a glimmer of hope, but Monaco's defense, marshaled by a resurgent Denis Zakaria and Wout Faes, held firm through a nervy seven minutes of stoppage time. The victory sees Monaco, now unbeaten in 11 Ligue 1 matches, move to 49 points, just one point behind third-placed Lille and the final automatic Champions League qualifying spot, with a game in hand.
For Marseille, the defeat is a significant blow to their own European ambitions, leaving them in seventh place and four points adrift of the European places. The performance, particularly a lack of clinical finishing in the final third, will be a major concern for manager Habib Beye. The loss of their own top scorer, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, to a late injury will be another worry for the southern club.
Monaco's victory was built on a solid defensive foundation, with goalkeeper Lukáš Hrádky making several crucial saves, including a stunning double-save in the first half. The midfield, anchored by Denis Zakaria and Mamadou Coulibaly, controlled the tempo for large periods, allowing the creative talents of Golovin and Akliouche to flourish. The win underscores Monaco's remarkable turnaround under manager Adi Hütter, who has transformed the team's fortunes since the winter break. Their relentless form has made them the league's form team in 2025 and a serious threat to the established top three of Paris Saint-Germain, Brest, and Lille. The race for the Champions League places, which now includes Monaco as a serious contender, promises to be one of the most thrilling storylines in the final weeks of the Ligue 1 season.
