PSG Loses 3-1 at Home to Monaco on Friday After Dembélé's Return

PSG's home loss to Monaco on Friday was 3-1. This is a big change for their title chances.
By Newsroom | Football, France |

Squad News and Performance Data Emerge

Paris Saint-Germain faced a significant setback in their Ligue 1 title aspirations, falling 3-1 at home to AS Monaco. The defeat, occurring on Friday, has allowed rivals Lens an opportunity to narrow the points gap. This result comes amidst the return of forward Ousmane Dembélé to the PSG squad after a calf injury. The inclusion of Dembélé in the squad, however, did not alter the game's outcome, with Monaco securing victory through goals from Maghnes Akliouche and Folarin Balogun.

Ballon d'Or winner Dembélé included in PSG squad for Ligue 1 game against Monaco after calf injury - 1

The French champions hosted Monaco on Friday, a match where Dembélé, recently sidelined with a calf issue, was named in the traveling party. His previous absence spanned three games, stemming from an injury sustained during a Champions League playoff match against Monaco approximately three weeks prior. PSG manager Luis Enrique offered no definitive statement regarding Dembélé's starting role in the match.

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Ballon d'Or winner Dembélé included in PSG squad for Ligue 1 game against Monaco after calf injury - 2

Pre-Match Context and Future Fixtures

The league encounter against Monaco preceded a crucial Champions League fixture. PSG is scheduled to host Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie next Wednesday. This continental competition looms large, particularly given PSG's ambition following a prior Champions League triumph.

Ballon d'Or winner Dembélé included in PSG squad for Ligue 1 game against Monaco after calf injury - 3

Injury Background

Dembélé's return from the calf injury marks his reentry after missing several games. He had previously been out with a hamstring injury sustained earlier in the season while on international duty. This current calf problem saw him sidelined for the last three PSG matches. The earlier playoff leg against Monaco, where he limped off, preceded his subsequent absences.

Ballon d'Or winner Dembélé included in PSG squad for Ligue 1 game against Monaco after calf injury - 4
Historical Performance Against Monaco

This recent 3-1 loss is not the first instance of PSG dropping points against Monaco. The club had previously suffered a 1-0 defeat to Monaco in September. Across their four encounters this season, including Champions League matchups, Monaco has managed to take the lead in each. PSG ultimately progressed 5-4 on aggregate in their Champions League playoff against Monaco, setting up the tie with Chelsea.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did PSG lose 3-1 at home to Monaco on Friday?
PSG lost to AS Monaco at home on Friday with a score of 3-1. Goals from Maghnes Akliouche and Folarin Balogun secured the win for Monaco. This loss impacts PSG's position in the league title race.
Q: Did Ousmane Dembélé play in the PSG vs. Monaco match on Friday?
Yes, Ousmane Dembélé returned to the PSG squad for the match against Monaco on Friday. He had been out with a calf injury for three games. However, his return did not change the game's outcome.
Q: How does this loss affect PSG's title chances?
This 3-1 home loss to Monaco on Friday means rivals Lens can now get closer in the league standings. PSG needed to win to keep their lead strong.
Q: What were the past results between PSG and Monaco this season?
PSG has had a tough time against Monaco this season. They lost 1-0 in September and lost again 3-1 at home on Friday. Although PSG beat Monaco in the Champions League playoff, Monaco has led in all four games this season.