Monaco Makes Stunning Late Comeback Against Nantes: Eliesse Ben Seghir Shines in Victory……..
In a thrilling encounter at the Stade Louis II, AS Monaco mounted a dramatic late comeback to defeat FC Nantes 3-2 in a pulsating Ligue 1 clash, with rising star Eliesse Ben Seghir playing a central role in the victory. The win marks a significant turnaround for the Principality club, who had been struggling in recent weeks but showed resilience and quality to claim all three points.
A Struggle to Get Going
Monaco entered the match having endured a series of disappointing results, but hopes were high that a return to their home stadium would help them bounce back. However, the opening 45 minutes proved to be a frustrating affair for the home side as they struggled to break down a well-organized Nantes defense. Despite having the lion’s share of possession, Monaco lacked the cutting edge in attack, with new signings Mohammed Salisu and Denis Zakaria yet to make a real impact.
Meanwhile, Nantes capitalized on Monaco’s lack of clinicality, hitting their hosts on the counter. The visitors took the lead in the 27th minute when Moroccan forward Mostafa Mohamed latched onto a loose ball in the penalty area after a scramble from a corner. The striker’s quick thinking allowed him to fire a low shot past Monaco goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, giving Nantes a 1-0 lead.
Monaco’s response was labored, with captain Wissam Ben Yedder and winger Takumi Minamino unable to find a way through the defense. Monaco’s frustration was compounded when Nantes doubled their lead in the 56th minute. A swift counter-attack, spearheaded by Nantes’ most dangerous player, Ludovic Blas, saw the ball swung into the box, where it was bundled over the line by Blas himself following a deflection. The visitors’ lead seemed insurmountable, and the tension inside the Stade Louis II grew palpable.
The Ben Seghir Moment
With Monaco trailing 2-0, head coach Adi Hütter made several tactical changes, including bringing on young talent Eliesse Ben Seghir, who had been in impressive form off the bench this season. It was a decision that would prove to be a masterstroke.
Ben Seghir, who had been growing in stature since his promotion to the senior team, injected new energy into the Monaco attack. His pace and technical ability caused immediate problems for the Nantes defense, and within minutes of his arrival on the pitch, Monaco began to find their rhythm.
In the 72nd minute, Ben Seghir made a brilliant run down the left wing, cutting inside past two Nantes defenders. With a precise pass, he set up Wissam Ben Yedder, who slotted the ball home calmly to bring Monaco back into the game at 2-1. The goal was a crucial moment, lifting the spirits of both players and supporters alike.
The Comeback Complete
As the match entered its final stages, Monaco piled on the pressure, with the crowd urging their team on to complete the comeback. Ben Seghir continued to make his mark, showing maturity beyond his years with intelligent off-the-ball movement and the ability to pick out the right passes in critical areas.
In the 85th minute, Ben Seghir was again at the center of Monaco’s resurgence. This time, he delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, finding the head of midfielder Mohammed Salisu, who had arrived late into the box. Salisu rose above his marker and powered a header past Nantes goalkeeper Alban Lafont, bringing the score level at 2-2. The crowd erupted in jubilation as Monaco completed their remarkable turnaround.
With just minutes remaining, Monaco wasn’t content with a draw. The momentum was firmly with them, and in the 90th minute, Ben Seghir capped off his fantastic performance with a well-executed finish. After a brilliant ball from Zakaria found him in space, Ben Seghir showed composure under pressure, curling the ball around Lafont into the bottom corner of the net. The 3-2 scoreline was the final one, and Monaco had completed one of the most dramatic comebacks of the season.
A Resilient Monaco
The late win was a testament to Monaco’s resilience and character. After a shaky start to the season, their display on Saturday night showed that the team still has the quality to compete at the highest level. Eliesse Ben Seghir’s performance was undoubtedly the highlight, with the young winger now firmly in the spotlight after his match-winning display.
Head coach Adi Hütter was full of praise for his players after the match, particularly for Ben Seghir, who he described as “a player with incredible potential.” The Austrian coach also acknowledged that the team’s new additions, such as Mohammed Salisu and Denis Zakaria, were beginning to find their rhythm, with Salisu’s equalizer showcasing the growing understanding among the squad.
“It was an important win for us,” said Hütter in his post-match interview. “We showed great character to fight back after being 2-0 down. The quality of our younger players, especially Eliesse, really made the difference today.”
Looking Ahead
Monaco’s 3-2 victory over Nantes has lifted them into the upper half of the Ligue 1 table and will provide a much-needed boost of confidence heading into the next set of fixtures. With the return of key players and the rise of Ben Seghir, the club will be hoping to build on this momentum as they look to challenge for a European spot by the end of the season.
For Nantes, however, it was a heartbreaking loss after such a promising start. Despite the defeat, there were positive signs, especially in the attacking play of Blas and Mohamed, but they will need to improve their defense if they are to avoid further setbacks in the coming weeks.
The victory for Monaco not only marked a significant moment in their season but also highlighted the importance of their young talents, who could be the key to their success in 2024.
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