France round-up: Defeat costs Monaco dear
Sunday, May 4, 2003
Article summary
AS Monaco FC missed the chance to move level at the top after a 2-1 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain FC.
Article body
AS Monaco FC missed the chance to move level with Ligue 1 leaders Olympique Lyonnais when they fell to a 2-1 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain FC.
Nonda on target
Victory for Monaco would have seen them join Lyon at the summit on 64 points, and the visitors did take the lead four minutes before the interval. An error by PSG's Argentinian defender Mauricio Pocchetino let in Shabani Nonda and the Congolese international striker made no mistake.
Ronaldinho winner
PSG fought back in the second half and Fabrice Fiorese levelled in the 58th minute after a perfect cross from defender Frédéric Dehu. The equaliser spurred Monaco into action and Rafael Marquez hit the post in the 64th minute, before PSG scored a winner with 15 minutes remaining. Monaco defender Patrice Evra brought Alioune Toure down inside the box and Ronaldinho converted from the spot.
Costly defeat
The defeat was Monaco's first away from home since November and their first loss in the capital since 1998. Lyon scored an emphatic 4-0 victory away at RC Strasbourg on Saturday and now lead Olympique de Marseille by two points and Monaco by three with three games left until the end of the season.
