Hákon Arnar Haraldsson’s clinical first-half brace was enough for Lille OSC to secure a 2-1 victory over AS Monaco, temporarily moving them into a place on the Ligue 1 podium.
The Match
Monaco had the first real opportunity when Mika Biereth, back in the starting XI after being dropped midweek, hesitated when through on goal. Receiving a perfectly weighted pass from Vanderson, Biereth failed to finish decisively, with his weak attempt rolling harmlessly wide of Lucas Chevalier’s post.
Soon after, Ngal’ayel Mukau tested Radoslaw Majecki, forcing the Monaco keeper into a sharp save as he denied a well-struck shot aimed at the bottom left corner. However, Majecki could do nothing to stop Haraldsson’s opener midway through the first half. A clever reverse pass from Benjamin André split the Monaco defense, Mukau played it forward to Haraldsson, who charged towards the edge of the box and slotted the ball past Majecki into the far corner.
Monaco had a golden chance to level, but Eliesse Ben Seghir somehow managed to tap wide from seven yards out with the goal gaping. Moments later, Lille doubled their lead, and once again, Monaco’s own mistakes played a pivotal role. Wilfried Singo misplayed a pass into his own box, allowing Denis Zakaria to be under pressure. Zakaria slipped, and Haraldsson seized the opportunity. Though his initial shot was saved, the rebound fell kindly for him, and he finished calmly into the net.
Despite being 2-0 down, Monaco halved the deficit before the break. Maghnes Akliouche, who had been quiet for most of the half, played a header into the path of Biereth, who smartly backheeled to Takumi Minamino. Minamino made no mistake from close range, tapping the ball in to make it 2-1.
The second half saw Monaco dominate possession, but they struggled to break down a well-organized Lille defense, which was content to sit back and protect their lead. Although Lille posed little offensive threat, their defensive resolve ensured they saw out the match professionally, moving them up to third place, while Monaco dropped to fifth.
Lille Player Ratings
- Lucas Chevalier – 5
- Gabriel Gudmundsson – 6
- Alexsandro – 7
- Bafodé Diakité – 5
- Thomas Meunier – 5
- Benjamin André – 7
André’s vision and intelligent reading of the game were key in opening up Monaco for Lille’s first goal. He maintained solid positioning throughout the match and was pivotal in protecting their lead. - Ngal’ayel Mukau – 6
- Ayyoub Bouaddi – 6
- Chuba Akpom – 4
- Jonathan David – 4
- Hákon Arnar Haraldsson – 8
Though not always in the spotlight, Haraldsson was lethal when it mattered, making decisive runs and finishing efficiently with two well-executed goals.
Monaco Player Ratings
- Radoslaw Majecki – 6
- Krépin Diatta – 4
- Christian Mawissa – 5
- Wilfried Singo – 4
Singo’s careless pass into his own box was a major error that led to Lille’s second goal, highlighting his role in Monaco’s downfall despite some solid defensive moments. - Vanderson – 5
- Lamine Camara – 4
- Denis Zakaria – 5
- Eliesse Ben Seghir – 4
- Takumi Minamino – 6
- Maghnes Akliouche – 4
Akliouche, who had impressed midweek, struggled to find his rhythm in this match, often playing on the periphery and losing possession too easily. - Mika Biereth – 5
