Monaco fades at the end and drops points in Angers

It was the perfect chance to regain confidence. But Monaco stumbled once again in the closing moments. In a match where individual talent wasn’t enough, Sébastien Pocognoli’s men were held to a 1-1 draw by a combative Angers side that fought until the very end.

Coming off the international break aiming to close the gap with leaders PSG, the Monegasques found it difficult to impose their rhythm against a disciplined and fearless opponent. Despite dominating possession, clear chances didn’t arrive until after the half-hour mark, when Ansu Fati and Biereth came close to scoring but were denied.

Angers responded dangerously just before halftime: Abdelli nearly put them ahead with a header that Teze cleared off the line one of the most tense moments of the night.

Balogun appeared... but the story repeated itself

After the break, Monaco came out determined to break the deadlock. Chances began to pile up, but accuracy was still missing. Everything changed when Folarin Balogun came off the bench. It took the American striker just ten minutes to make his mark: in the 72nd minute, he latched onto a precise flick from Minamino and finished across goal to make it 0-1.

It seemed like the long-awaited win the Principality side needed. However, the story took an unexpected turn. Angers, who never stopped believing, found their reward in the 85th minute through Sidiki Chérif, who leveled the match with a powerful shot after the ball ricocheted off the post.

The equalizer hit Monaco like a cold shower and by then, they had already made several substitutions in an attempt to protect the lead.

A Monaco without answers or conviction

The draw leaves a bitter taste. Pocognoli’s team showed moments of control and possession, but once again suffered defensively and lacked the intensity to finish the job. The introductions of Minamino and Akliouche added movement, yet it wasn’t enough to hold the advantage.

This result marks Monaco’s third straight game without a win, leaving them further from the top. With only two points from their last three matches, the new coach’s project still lacks stability and rhythm.

Angers celebrates, Monaco worries

For Angers, the draw felt like a victory. The home side, battling to escape the relegation zone, displayed effort, high pressing, and admirable resilience against a technically superior rival. With this point, they reach six for the season and keep their survival hopes alive.

On the other hand, Monaco must react quickly — their next challenge comes against Tottenham in the Champions League, a test that will measure not only their physical endurance but also their mental toughness.

If this draw proved anything, it’s that Monaco has talent but lacks the spirit to close out games. And in a league as competitive as Ligue 1, that comes at a heavy cost.