Monaco defeat PSG at home to intensify Ligue 1 title race

PARIS: AS Monaco handed Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) their first home defeat of the Ligue 1 season with a 3-1 victory at the Parc des Princes on Friday, tightening the competition at the top of the French league.

Monaco took the lead in the 27th minute when Maghnes Akliouche capitalized on a poor clearance by PSG's Warren Zaire-Emery in the penalty area. Folarin Balogun stepped aside, allowing Akliouche to finish with his left foot from close range. The visitors extended their advantage in the 55th minute, as Aleksandr Golovin scored with his first touch after coming on as a substitute.

Folarin Balogun added Monaco's third goal after the break, further strengthening their position in the match. PSG managed to pull one back through Bradley Barcola, but it proved to be only a consolation as the home side could not overturn the deficit.

Despite the loss, PSG remain at the top of the Ligue 1 standings, four points ahead of second-placed RC Lens. Lens, however, have the opportunity to reduce the gap when they face bottom-placed Metz on Sunday.

Monaco's win moves them up to fifth place in the league with 40 points, though they still trail PSG by 17 points. The victory comes after PSG had eliminated Monaco from the Champions League last month.

The result has opened up the Ligue 1 title race, with Monaco's performance at Parc des Princes ending PSG's unbeaten home record in the current league campaign.