Monaco down PSG days after heroic performance at Nou Camp

Paris Saint-Germain were flat and uninspiring as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to AS Monaco at the Parc Des Princes and lost ground on Ligue 1 pace-setters Lille.

On a night which was expected to see the champions build on their midweek performance and win at Barcelona, they looked a completely different team, serving up a toothless display.

Monaco headed to Paris in form and grabbed an early lead when Sofiane Diop headed home from close range after great work by Ruben Aguilar.

Rather than snapping PSG into focus, going behind emboldened the visitors’ defensive structure and overall it was a very laboured display from Mauricio Pochettino’s men.

Kylian Mbappe, chief tormentor of the Catalans a few days ago, cut a frustrated figure throughout the first half.

With Marco Verratti only fit enough for the bench, PSG’s midfield lacked the guile and energy to drive them forward. Idrissa Gueye did strike wide from distance, but Benjamin Lecomte had it covered.

Pochettino reacted instantly, calling on Rafinha and Verratti, and PSG soon asserted themselves a little more. Moise Kean should have tested Lecomte with a header after a byline cross from Mbappe.

Just past the hour, Monaco should have grabbed a second but Kevin Volland headed wide with the goal gaping after Caio Henrique’s cushioned cross.

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Kean tried to force the issue with just over ten minutes remaining, but Monaco held strong as PSG struggled to build any momentum despite chasing the game.