AS Monaco delivered a strong performance in Ligue 1 with a 3-1 away victory over Saint Etienne at the Geoffroy Guichard stadium, a result that temporarily moves them up to second place in the standings and brings them closer to securing a spot in the next Champions League. Meanwhile, the home side continues to struggle and remains in the relegation zone.

Monaco takes control with authority

Adi Hütter's men came out with intensity and took the lead just two minutes into the match thanks to a goal from Maghnes Akliouche, who finished off a well-placed pass from Caio Henrique. Despite the early setback, Saint Etienne managed to level the score in the 60th minute through Georgian midfielder Zuriko Davitashvili, assisted by Florian Tardieu.

But the home side's joy was short-lived. Just three minutes later, Al Musrati put Monaco back in front by finishing off a cross from Denis Zakaria, and in the 78th minute, Folarin Balogun sealed the win after another fine play from Akliouche.

Opposite goals as the season nears its end

With this victory, Monaco snapped a two-game draw streak and now sits as runner-up behind Paris Saint-Germain, level on points with Marseille, who still have a game in hand. They are also one point ahead of Nice and Strasbourg, strengthening their grip on the European spots.

On the other hand, Saint Etienne's situation remains bleak. They are second-to-last in the table, just one point behind Le Havre—currently in the relegation playoff spot—and three points behind Angers, who are just above the drop zone. Both rivals have a game in hand, leaving Saint Etienne with little room for error.

The historic club must act quickly if they want to avoid relegation in the final stretch of the season. As for Monaco, they continue their solid march toward a return to Europe's top competition.