Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco played out a 0-0 draw at the Stade Louis II on Friday, as the Ligue 1 leader extended its unbeaten run to 19 games. The visitor dominated possession but failed to create clear-cut chances, while the host had the better opportunities but could not beat Gianluigi Donnarumma. The result left PSG 12 points clear at the top of the table, while Monaco remained third, 13 points behind.
Mbappe substituted at half-time
One of the main talking points of the game was the substitution of Kylian Mbappe at half-time. The PSG star, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid at the end of the season, had a quiet first half and was replaced by Bradley Barcola. Mbappe watched the second half from the stands, where he was seen on the phone in the tunnel. It was the second game in a row that Mbappe was taken off early by coach Luis Enrique, who said he had to take the best decisions for the team.
Donnarumma saves PSG
PSG had more of the ball but struggled to break down a well-organized Monaco defense. The visitor’s best chance came in the 21st minute, when Marco Asensio forced a save from Radoslaw Majecki with a low shot from outside the box. Monaco, on the other hand, looked more dangerous on the counter-attack and tested Donnarumma several times. The Italian goalkeeper denied Takumi Minamino, Folarin Balogun, Aleksandr Golovin and Maghnes Akliouche with some fine saves. Donnarumma said he played a good game and praised Monaco as a great team.
PSG miss the chance to extend the lead
PSG could have extended its lead at the top of the table to 14 points with a win, but had to settle for a draw. The visitor still has a comfortable advantage over second-placed Brest, which plays Le Havre on Sunday. PSG also has a game in hand over its rivals and looks set to clinch its ninth Ligue 1 title. Monaco, meanwhile, missed the chance to close the gap on PSG and put pressure on Brest. The host remains third, one point ahead of fourth-placed Nice, which beat Metz 1-0 on Saturday.
PSG ready for Real Sociedad
PSG will now turn its attention to the Champions League, where it faces Real Sociedad in the second leg of the last-16 tie on Tuesday. PSG won the first leg 2-0 in Spain, thanks to goals from Mbappe and Ramos. Luis Enrique said his team had a good attitude and was ready for the challenge. Monaco will also play in the French Cup last-16 on February 7, when it visits PSG again at the Parc des Princes. Monaco has not beaten PSG in the last 27 meetings, a run stretching back to 1985.
