Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) maintained their unbeaten streak in Ligue 1 with a hard-fought 4-2 victory against Monaco, but the win came at a cost as goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma suffered a severe facial injury. The incident occurred when Monaco defender Wilfried Singo’s studs caught Donnarumma’s face, leaving the Italian goalkeeper bleeding and requiring ten staples to close the lacerations. PSG captain Marquinhos expressed his frustration with the referee’s decision not to penalize Singo and called for VAR intervention, emphasizing the need to protect players from such dangerous challenges. Despite the setback, PSG persevered and ultimately secured the win, further solidifying their dominance in the league.
The match witnessed dramatic swings in momentum, with both teams exchanging blows throughout the contest. After Donnarumma’s injury, PSG took the lead through Desire Doue’s first league goal for the club. However, Monaco responded with two quick goals, first equalizing through a penalty converted by Eliesse Ben Seghir after a handball by Marquinhos, and then taking the lead with a goal from Breel Embolo, assisted by Maghnes Akliouche. This put PSG’s impressive 31-game unbeaten away run in Ligue 1 under threat.
PSG, however, showcased their resilience and attacking prowess, responding swiftly with an equalizer from Ousmane Dembele. Substitute Goncalo Ramos then gave PSG the lead once again, heading in a corner shortly after coming onto the pitch. The match continued to be a thrilling affair, with Lee Kang-in’s long-range effort hitting the post and Monaco coach Adi Huetter being sent off for protesting a penalty appeal. In the dying moments of the game, Dembele sealed the victory with his second goal, marking a return to form for the winger after recent reports of tension with PSG coach Luis Enrique.
The victory further cemented PSG’s position at the top of the Ligue 1 table, creating a significant ten-point gap between them and their closest challengers, Marseille and Monaco. The win also signified PSG’s continued dominance over Monaco, the last team to defeat them away from home in March 2023. Looking ahead, PSG will face Lens in the French Cup before a rematch with Monaco in the Champions Trophy in Doha.
Donnarumma’s injury casts a shadow over PSG’s victory, highlighting the inherent risks in football and prompting discussions about player safety and the role of referees and VAR in protecting players from potentially career-threatening challenges. Marquinhos’s comments reflect the growing concern among players and coaches regarding the need for more stringent enforcement of rules to prevent such incidents. The incident also underscores the importance of having reliable backup options, as demonstrated by Matvey Safonov’s performance after replacing the injured Donnarumma.
PSG’s performance against Monaco showcased their depth and ability to overcome adversity. Despite the early setback with Donnarumma’s injury and Monaco’s brief lead, PSG remained composed and demonstrated their attacking firepower, ultimately securing a comfortable victory. The match also highlighted the individual brilliance of players like Dembele, whose two goals were crucial to the win, and the impact of substitutes like Ramos, who provided the go-ahead goal. The victory serves as a testament to PSG’s strength and determination as they continue their quest for domestic and European glory.
