IT’S BEEN QUITE a while since Monaco’s stock was as high. They’re currently top of Ligue 1 – three points clear of PSG and Nice. They’re also still in contention for a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League having scored three times at Manchester City.
And tonight, they ensured their place in the last-eight of their domestic cup competition with an enthralling victory over Marseille.
Having beaten them 4-1 recently, Monaco were in front after 19 minutes when Joao Moutinho’s free-kick struck the upright, caught goalkeeper Yohann Pelé and ricocheted to the net.
But, back came Marseille and they were level at the break thanks to Dimitri Payet.
The electric Kylian Mbappé did his reputation no harm whatsoever by putting his side back in control midway through the half only for Remy Cabella to grab an equaliser on 84 minutes.
And there was plenty more drama in extra-time. It was 3-2 to Monaco when Bernard Mendy struck against his former club but Cabella levelled again on 111 minutes.
But the last word went to the side currently undergoing a colourful renaissance under Leonard Jardim as Thomas Lemar struck what proved the winning goal.
4-3 after extra-time: what a night’s entertainment in Marseille.