Minamino’s Dramatic 96th-Minute Header Seals Monaco Victory in Five-Goal Thriller

MONACO – A breathtaking, back-and-forth Ligue 1 encounter was decided in the sixth minute of stoppage time, as AS Monaco substitute Takumi Minamino headed home a last-gasp winner to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over RC Strasbourg Alsace at the Stade Louis II.

The result extends Monaco’s remarkable unbeaten run in the league to 10 matches (W9, D1) and sees them start the new campaign with confidence, level on points with early pace-setters.

The home side exploded out of the gates and were gifted an early lead in the sixth minute. Strasbourg goalkeeper Mike Penders, under pressure from Folarin Balogun, inexplicably lost possession, allowing an alert Maghnes Akliuche to tap into an empty net.

Monaco dominated the first half and thought they had doubled their advantage just after the break. Balogun, a constant menace, finished clinically past the onrushing Penders just three minutes into the second half. The hosts then had a Mika Biereth goal correctly ruled out for offside by VAR, a decision that proved pivotal.

Seemingly down and out, Strasbourg staged a stunning three-minute comeback to shock the home crowd. Substitute Dilane Bakwa ignited the fightback with a brilliant half-volley to halve the deficit in the 71st minute. The comeback was complete just moments later when Caio Henrique fouled Bakwa in the area, allowing Joaquín Panichelli to thunder an unstoppable penalty past Lukas Hradecky.

The visitors, buoyed by their equalizer, nearly completed the turnaround, but Monaco’s substitute goalkeeper Philipp Köhn (on for the injured Hradecky) made a crucial save to deny Kendry Páez late on.

Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, Monaco delivered the final blow in the 96th minute. Akliuche, the early goalscorer, turned provider, whipping in a cross for Minamino to head home at the back post and send the home fans into delirium. Strasbourg’s misery was compounded by a late red card shown to Rabby Nzingoula for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Strasbourg can take heart from a spirited performance against one of the league’s form teams, possessing an identical record of two wins and one loss from their opening three fixtures. For Monaco, the victory reinforces their status as serious contenders, showcasing the resilience required to mount a sustained challenge.