AS Monaco came from behind to beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 at the Parc des Princes on Friday, scoring twice in the second half to move into sole possession of top spot in Ligue 1 after three rounds of matches.
Brazilian defender Marquinhos put the hosts ahead in the 31st minute. Monaco leveled through Nazinio in the 58th minute and completed the turnaround when Indoubo scored in the 72nd, leaving Paris Saint-Germain without a win in three straight league matches.
A celebratory night that turned sour
Kickoff had come amid festivities at the Parc des Princes, where Paris Saint-Germain marked the contract renewal of head coach Luis Enrique, the former Barcelona and Spain national team coach, along with five other key first-team players. Marquinhos, the club's Brazilian centre-back and captain, appeared to set up a celebratory result with his opener.
Instead, Monaco's second-half response turned the mood in the stands. Paris Saint-Germain's winless run now stands at three matches, following two draws before Friday's defeat, a difficult start for a club that has been the dominant force in French football for much of the past decade.
Monaco top with a perfect record
Friday's win was Monaco's third in three league matches this season, taking the principality club to nine points and sole control of the table. AS Monaco, which has won the Ligue 1 title on multiple occasions in its history, have opened the campaign with a maximum return of victories.
Lyon beat Auxerre to keep pace
Earlier the same day, Olympique Lyonnais confirmed their own strong start to the season with a 3-1 win over Auxerre, moving level with Lille on seven points. Lyon, one of French football's most decorated clubs, are chasing Monaco at the top of the standings.
Lyon raced into a two-goal lead through Bassé in the 28th minute and Atekam in the 31st. Auxerre pulled one back through Arsé in the 42nd minute, but Lyon restored their advantage in the second half when Nouama scored in the 53rd minute to secure the three points.
Matchday 3 results and scorers
- Toulouse 0-1 Lille (Oueda 73')
- Lyon 3-1 Auxerre (Bassé 28', Atekam 31', Nouama 53'; Arsé 42')
- Paris Saint-Germain 1-2 Monaco (Marquinhos 31'; Nazinio 58', Indoubo 72')
Ligue 1 standings after round three
Monaco lead the table on nine points from three matches, one point ahead of Lyon and Lille, who each have seven points from three games as well. Most of the other clubs in the division have played only two matches so far this season.
- Monaco - 9 points (3 matches)
- Lyon - 7 points (3 matches)
- Lille - 7 points (3 matches)
- Paris FC - 4 points
- Rennes - 4 points
- Marseille - 3 points
- Strasbourg - 3 points
- Lens - 3 points
- Angers - 3 points
- Toulouse - 3 points (3 matches)
- Paris Saint-Germain - 2 points (3 matches)
- Troyes - 2 points
- Lorient - 2 points
- Brest - 1 point
- Le Mans - 1 point
- Le Havre - 1 point
- Nice - 1 point
- Auxerre - 0 points (3 matches)
Upcoming fixtures
The rest of matchday 3 continues over the weekend. Lens host Lorient, Le Havre face Brest, and Nice play Le Mans, all on September 5. On September 6, Troyes meet Strasbourg, Angers host Rennes, and Marseille face Paris FC.
