Three days after their elimination from the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain, AS Monaco responded at the Stade Louis-II by delivering a strong performance to defeat SCO Angers 2-0.
The European bitterness did not dent Monaco’s confidence in the league.
Under the eyes of Prince Albert II and AS Monaco president Dmitry Rybolovlev, Sébastien Pocognoli’s men reacted in the best possible way by producing a solid display against Angers.
Folarin Balogun and then Simon Adingra found the breakthrough in the second half (2-0), as this victory ensured AS Monaco came back to within four points of the top four.
Paris St-Germain stretched their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to four points by claiming a narrow 1-0 win at Le Havre.
The defending champions hoped to take advantage after second-placed Lens drew at Strasbourg on Friday, and Bradley Barcola gave them a deserved lead shortly before half-time.PSG had chances to extend their lead and substitute Desire Doue had a late penalty saved by Le Havre goalkeeper Mory Diaw.
Lee Kang-In had an effort saved by Diaw before his right-wing cross was headed home by Barcola for his ninth goal of the season.
Moments later Lee fired wide when through on goal, before PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia fired against a post just after half-time.
Keeper Matvey Safonov made a fine save from Issa Soumare to keep PSG in front, while Diaw denied substitutes Nuno Mendes, Ibrahim Mbaye and Doue.
Diaw parried Doue’s spot-kick low to his right after Doue was brought down by Lucas Gourna-Douath with 11 minutes left.