Monaco edges past ten-man Auxerre in a match defined by chaos and redemption
Must Watch Futmetrix Score: 86/100. A six-pointer in all but name—Monaco advances its title credentials while Auxerre sinks deeper into relegation peril after a sending-off and a calamitous own goal at Stade de l'Abbé Deschamps.
Minamino's early strike sets the tone
Takumi Minamino broke the deadlock at the 45-minute mark, giving Monaco the perfect platform to impose their dominance. With 67% possession and 13 shots, the visitors controlled the intensity from pillar to post, suffocating Auxerre's threadbare attacking ambitions. But the real inflection point arrived at the 68th minute: Josuée Casimir received a straight red for a needless foul, reducing the hosts to ten men and effectively closing the door on any comeback narrative.
Salisu's horror show and Ilenikhena's cruel finish
Five minutes later, the nightmare deepened: Mohamed Salisu deflected a clearance past his own goalkeeper, making it 2-0 and leaving balance a distant memory. Auxerre's stakes had become existential—but Gideon Mensah's outstanding defensive display kept them fighting. A VAR-overturned penalty at the 82nd minute offered a glimmer of hope. Yet at the 89th minute, substitute Georges Ilenikhena—on since the 78th—delivered the coup de grâce, assisted by Vanderson, sealing a 2-1 victory that felt far more comfortable than the scoreline suggested.
Title contenders and relegation fighters drift further apart
Aladji Bamba's orchestration in midfield epitomised Monaco's composure under pressure. With 9 points from 4 matches, the Principality club consolidates third place and edges closer to the summit. Auxerre, conversely, remains marooned at 15th with just 3 points—a grim return that transforms the relegation battle into a chasm. Despite registering 9 shots, they lacked the cutting edge to trouble Monaco's defence when it mattered.
Key Questions
How did Casimir's red card reshape the match?
Reduced to ten men at the 68th, Auxerre surrendered all attacking threat. Monaco capitalised ruthlessly, scoring twice in the next 21 minutes.
Did VAR's penalty cancellation change the outcome?
The overturned penalty at 82 minutes gave Auxerre a lifeline, but Ilenikhena's 89th-minute strike extinguished any hope of a miraculous draw.
What does this loss mean for Auxerre's campaign?
With only 3 points from 4 matches, Auxerre enters genuine relegation battle territory. The margin for error has vanished.
Why is this match rated 86/100?
Our Futmetrix algorithm analyzed intensity, balance, and stakes. The final score of 86/100 places this match in the "Must Watch" category.
