Vahirua strike vanquishes Monaco
Saturday, April 24, 2004
Article summary
A late goal from FC Nantes Atlantique forward Marama Vahirua dented AS Monaco FC's Ligue 1 title hopes.
Article body
A late goal from FC Nantes Atlantique forward Marama Vahirua dented AS Monaco FC's Ligue 1 title hopes in tonight's early game in France.
Composed finish
The Nantes striker scored the only goal of the game at the Stade Louis II 12 minutes from time, rounding off a swift counterattack from the visitors with a composed finish. UEFA Champions League contenders Monaco, who took a
3-1 lead against Chelsea FC in the first leg of their semi-final on Tuesday night, were unable to break through a solid Nantes defence and slipped to their fourth league defeat of the season. Didier Deschamps' team remained in second place, a point behind Olympique Lyonnais.
Lyon chance
Monaco's defeat gives Lyon, leaders and champions, the chance to open up a four-point advantage at the top of Ligue 1 with victory at home to Stade Rennais FC later on Saturday. Third-placed Paris Saint-Germain FC are two points behind Monaco and play at home to traditional rivals Olympique de Marseille on Sunday afternoon, while fourth meets fifth on Saturday night as FC Sochaux Montbéliard visit AJ Auxerre.
