**Monaco Edge Nantes: Monaco Wins, Ben Yedder Scores 3-2**
In a thrilling encounter at the Stade de France, Monaco secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Nantes in a Ligue 1 clash. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams displaying attacking intent and resilience. Monaco emerged victorious, thanks to a late surge, but the game was far from one-sided, reflecting the growing competition in French football.
### **Match Summary**
The fixture saw Monaco dominate possession early on, but Nantes responded with a series of counterattacks. The first half ended with the scores tied at 1-1, following a goal from Monaco’s young star, Khéphren Thuram, who slotted home from outside the box. Nantes leveled just before halftime through a well-timed strike from forward Gaëtan Laborde.
The second half was a tale of two halves. Monaco took control, with Ben Yedder leading the charge. The Montenegrin forward, on loan from Real Madrid, scored twice in the first 15 minutes of the second half to give Monaco a 3-1 lead. Nantes, however, refused to back down and fought back through a late goal from Laborde, making it 3-2 to Monaco. Despite their valiant efforts, Nantes couldn’t find an equalizer, and Monaco held on for a hard-fought win.
### **Key Moments**
1. **Thuram’s Early Goal**: Monaco’s 19-year-old midfielder opened the scoring in the 14th minute, showcasing his composure and technical ability.
2. **Ben Yedder’s Double Strike**: Yedder’s two goals in the 63rd and 65th minutes were the turning points, turning a potential deficit into a commanding lead.
3. **Nantes’ Late Rally**: Laborde’s 88th-minute strike kept the pressure on Monaco, but the visitors couldn’t capitalize on their momentum.
### **Player Performances**
- **Ben Yedder**: The standout performer, Yedder’s two goals and overall influence were pivotal in the victory. His pace and clinical finishing were instrumental in breaking down Nantes’ defense.
- **Khéphren Thuram**: Thuram’s early goal demonstrated his growing confidence, while his work rate and defensive contributions were crucial in midfield.
- **Nantes’ Defense**: Despite the loss, Nantes’ backline showed resilience, particularly in the first half, but the late goals conceded highlighted their vulnerability.
### **Post-Match Reactions**
Monaco manager Aurélien Tissot praised his team’s ability to adapt and respond to Nantes’ pressure. “We showed great character out there,” Tissot said. “Ben Yedder was fantastic, and the whole team played their part. We needed to dig deep, and we did that.”
For Nantes, head coach Antoine Favrot expressed frustration at his side’s inability to hold onto the lead. “We fought hard, but we made some mistakes defensively,” Favrot admitted. “Monaco is a quality opponent, and we need to learn from this game.”
### **Conclusion**
Monaco’s 3-2 win over Nantes was a thrilling encounter, showcasing the intensity and quality of Ligue 1. While Yedder and Thuram were the stars of the match, the game also highlighted the growing competition in French football. Both teams can take pride in their performances, but Monaco will look to build on this victory as they aim for a top-half finish this season. Nantes, meanwhile, will need to regroup and find consistency to challenge for European spots.