Just three days after defeating Tottenham in a thrilling European encounter (5-3), Paris Saint-Germain returned to action on Saturday for Ligue 1 Matchday 14. On the cards was a historic clash between two of the league's best sides, AS Monaco and PSG, at the Stade Louis II. In search of points, Monaco started the match at a furious pace, and Lucas Chevalier's ankle could have paid the price when Lamine Camara made a reckless tackle (12'), miraculously escaping a red card.
A lively presence on the left wing, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia cut inside and fired a shot that Thilo Kehrer deflected for a corner (25'), moments before Vitinha tried his luck and forced a save from Lukás Hrádecky (26'). ASM's response didn't take long, with Folarin Balogun finding Takumi Minamino at the back post, whose shot was remarkably saved by Lucas Chevalier (28'). The danger was end to end, with Lee Kang-In coming close twice without managing to find the target (32' and 35').
Meanwhile, Monaco continued to show their attacking qualities, with Mohamed Salisu getting on the end of a set piece and heading the ball onto the Parisian crossbar (33'). Khvicha Kvaratskhelia responded with a clever curling shot that forced Hradecky into a fine save (35'). Les Rouge et Bleu increased the pressure on the Monaco goal early in the second half, but Kvaratskhelia was denied by the opposition goalkeeper (54') and Senny Mayulu saw his header narrowly miss the target (55').
It was the Principality club that finally opened the scoring, however, with Takumi Minamino's shot from 16 metres leaving Lucas Chevalier with no chance (1-0, 68'). With their backs against the wall, Paris had to dig deep to respond. Ibrahim Mbaye made the right decision to go it alone in front of goal, but the Parisian striker was brought down by Thilo Kehrer, who was shown a red card (80').
The capital club relied on its substitutes to try and get back into the game, with Ousmane Dembélé delivering a superb ball to Quentin Ndjantou, who was off balance as he took his chance (85'). In added time, Vitinha tested Hradecky once again, but without success (90+3'). At the end of a closely fought match, Paris Saint-Germain lost by a single goal at the Stade Louis II.
The Parisians now have a week to prepare for Stade Rennais FC's visit to the Parc des Princes next Saturday, where they will be aiming to bounce back.
