Image by Phillip Kofler from Pixabay
AS Monaco’s flawless start under Filipe Luís came to an end on Saturday as the Principality side were held to a 1–1 draw by RC Strasbourg Alsace at the Stade de la Meinau.
The result brings an end to an exceptional run for Luís, who became the first Monaco coach to win his opening five matches in charge. A sixth victory remained within reach, but a difficult evening in Strasbourg was shaped by fine margins, disputed refereeing decisions and a spectacular intervention from one of Monaco’s rising stars.
After a goalless first half, Strasbourg took the lead shortly after the break when a dangerous free-kick was inadvertently redirected past goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky by Monaco defender Sadibou Sané.
Monaco responded with greater intensity. Paris Brunner, one of the breakout names of the Ligue 1 season, first came close with a header that Filip Jorgensen pushed onto the post. In the 71st minute, however, there was no stopping him. Finding space outside the penalty area, the young German forward drove towards goal before unleashing a superb long-range strike to level the score.
His provocative celebration in front of the Strasbourg supporters sparked controversy and could yet result in disciplinary action. Brunner later explained that he had reacted emotionally after comments directed at his family from the stands, while insisting that his gesture had been misunderstood.
The closing stages brought further frustration for Monaco. Denis Zakaria had a goal correctly ruled out for offside, before Matthis Abline went down under contact inside the Strasbourg penalty area in the 89th minute. No penalty was awarded, prompting Luís to question why the incident was not reviewed on the pitch-side monitor.
Despite seeing their winning streak halted, Monaco remain firmly among Ligue 1’s early frontrunners. Attention now turns to RC Lens, with Luís’ side looking to return to winning ways before the international break.