AS Monaco settled for a draw against Auxerre on Sunday in the 30th round of Ligue 1. Sharing the points, while Monaco managed to come back from a two-goal deficit in the second half against Auxerre (2-2), the Principality team lost two vital points in the race for European qualification, unlike their opponent who is fighting to avoid relegation.
Sébastien Pocognoli reacted during the break after a lackluster first half from his players, who were rightfully trailing 2-0. The introduction of Simon Adingra for Aladji Bamba and the return of Denis Zakaria in midfield changed the dynamics of his team.
Although Monaco pushed towards the end of the match, notably with Adingra’s chance in the 82nd minute, they lacked the superior control needed to secure a victory and bounce back following their heavy defeat against Paris FC (1-4) the previous week.
With 50 points, Monaco remains four points away from the podium and continues to linger in 7th place, which is not currently a European spot. On the other hand, this point keeps hope alive for AJA of a potential catch-up with Nice, the first non-relegation spot, who are four points ahead and will be facing Auxerre in the 33rd round.
The Explosive Start for AJA
At Jean-Bouin last week against PFC, Monaco conceded an early goal to Jonathan Ikone in the 4th minute, followed by another from Ciro Immobile in the 8th. This time, Kevin Danois put Auxerre in the lead in the 11th minute, taking advantage of Monaco’s defense’s error. The Auxerre midfielder executed a perfect volley after a corner was poorly cleared by the Monaco backline (0-1, 11th minute).
This goal did not discourage Auxerre, who came to retain possession and launch counterattacks, nor did it awake the lackluster Monaco players.
Folarin Balogun, the sole standout for Monaco in the first half, had a chance (23rd minute) but was well marked, with Auxerre posing more threat. Lukas Hradecky had to be alert to deny Fredrik Oppegard’s counter-attack effort (21st minute). Later, Lassine Sinayoko’s attempt, on the verge of offside, was perfectly finished by Thilo Kehrer (27th minute).
Folarin Balogun Strikes Again
Due to Monaco’s continuous defensive lapses, they paid the price. Gideon Mensah’s cross, deflected by Dany Namasso, was met by Sinayoko, who controlled with his right foot and finished with a surprising left-foot volley to beat Hradecky – the Malian scored an impressive 8th goal in Ligue 1 this season (0-2, 33rd minute).
At halftime, Pocognoli made changes. Adingra finally brought the missing offensive spark, and Monaco’s attacking play became more fluid. Ansu Fati, who had been invisible until then, reduced the deficit with a powerful shot from 25 meters (1-2, 56th minute), marking his ninth goal in Ligue 1 and tenth of the season.
In the excitement, Balogun, set up by Maghnes Akliouche, won a penalty after a foul by Donovan Leon. The American confidently converted (2-2, 58th minute) to score his 18th goal of the season, 12th in Ligue 1. Monaco had a scare, made a comeback, but couldn’t secure a win and close the gap on their rivals in the race for Europe.
