Fati the Game-Changer as Monaco Rise to Second

A shaky start, but a ruthless finish. AS Monaco extended their unbeaten home run to 11 matches with a blistering 5-2 win over Metz, thanks to a game-changing performance from Ansu Fati.

Metz Shock the Hosts Early

Bottom-placed Metz arrived in Monaco with little to lose—and stunned the crowd after just 13 minutes. A clever pass from Cheikh Sabaly sliced Monaco’s defense wide open, leaving Habib Diallo free to calmly slot past Philipp Kohn for a surprise 1-0 lead.

Metz almost doubled their advantage moments later, as Koffi Kouao unleashed a rocket towards the top corner. Kohn, however, produced a spectacular save to keep Monaco alive.

That moment shifted the tide. With their very first clear chance of the game, Monaco equalized. Takumi Minamino whipped in a dangerous ball, and Mika Biereth was perfectly placed to finish from close range. Suddenly, it was 1-1, and the hosts were back in it.

Fati Flips the Script

The second half started with fireworks. Fati entered at the break and needed just a few minutes to make his mark, finishing coolly inside the box to hand Monaco a 2-1 advantage.

Monaco pushed hard for a third, but Metz goalkeeper Jonathan Fischer pulled off a stunning save to deny Maghnes Akliouche. Then came another twist. A clumsy challenge from Minamino inside the box gifted Metz a penalty. Captain Gauthier Hein made no mistake from the spot, leveling things at 2-2 in the 67th minute.

Late Goals Seal the Party

But Fati wasn’t done. Hungry to prove himself after a difficult spell in England, he rose highest in the 83rd minute to head home from Krepin Diatta’s cross, sending the home fans into a frenzy.

Disaster struck Metz again shortly after. Kouao, who had been lively throughout, turned from hero to villain by heading the ball into his own net from a corner. At 4-2, the fight was over.

To add salt to the wound, substitute George Ilenikhena smashed in a fifth goal in stoppage time, wrapping up a statement win for Monaco.

What It Means

Monaco climb into second place in Ligue 1, bouncing back in style after their midweek European setback. Their home fortress remains unshaken, with ten wins and a draw from their last eleven games.

For Metz, it’s another bitter evening. Still without a win since returning to the top flight, they remain rooted to the bottom of the table.

With Ansu Fati firing and Monaco’s attack looking sharper than ever, the message is clear: Les Monegasques are serious contenders this season.