**Monaco Edge Past Strasbourg in Thrilling Penalty Shootout**
In a tense encounter at the Stade de la Meinau, Monaco secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Strasbourg thanks to a late penalty conversion by Ben Yedder. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the resilience of the visitors who managed to overcome a series of missed opportunities and a strong defensive display from Strasbourg.
The game began with both sides creating chances, but the first half ended goalless despite several promising attacks. Strasbourg came close in the 20th minute when a well-taken shot by Habib Diallo rattled the crossbar, but Monaco’s defense held firm. The momentum shifted in the 78th minute when referee Frank Weber pointed to a penalty for Monaco after a handball decision against Strasbourg’s Kevin Vannier. Yedder, who had been a constant threat, stepped up and slot the penalty into the bottom-left corner, sending the away faithful into delirium.
Despite the late goal, Strasbourg pushed hard for an equalizer, with Diallo leading the charge. However, Monaco’s defense stood firm, and the visitors managed to hold on for a hard-fought victory. Yedder’s late winner was the difference-maker, and his celebration, combined with the celebrations of his teammates, spoke volumes about the importance of the win.
Speaking after the match, Monaco’s head coach, Philippe Clement, praised his side’s ability to adapt and withstand the pressure. “We fought until the end, and the penalty was the key moment,” he said. “Ben was clinical when he needed to be, and the defense did their job when it mattered most.”
For Strasbourg, it was a tough result, but the game showed their determination to compete at the highest level. “We’ll learn from this and come back stronger,” said Strasbourg’s assistant coach, Laurent Blanc.
Monaco’s win moves them closer to the top half of Ligue 1, and while the victory was hard-earned, it will give confidence to the squad as they prepare for their next fixture. Meanwhile, Strasbourg will be looking to regroup and put this result behind them as they aim for a strong finish to the season.
In the end, it was a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, and Monaco’s late penalty proved the deciding factor in a game that had everything but a clear winner.