Kylian Mbappe delivered another crucial goal for Monaco as the Ligue 1 leaders fought back to defeat Toulouse 3-1 yesterday and move three points clear at the top.
Ola Toivonen struck immediately after half-time as Toulouse threatened to derail Monaco’s title hopes at the Stade Louis II, but Kamil Glik equalised for the home side on 49 minutes.
Mbappe then struck his 14th league goal of a remarkable breakthrough season to fire Monaco ahead just past the hour before Thomas Lemar sealed an eighth victory in a row.
The principality outfit will now turn their attention to Europe as Monaco prepare to welcome Juventus in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final next Wednesday.
Leonardo Jardim restored a host of regulars — including Mbappe, Radamel Falcao and Bernardo Silva — to the Monaco side three days after fielding a youthful line-up in their midweek 5-0 French Cup semi-final defeat at PSG.
But Toulouse, who beat Monaco 3-1 in the reverse fixture, nearly went in front when Christopher Jullien flashed a header narrowly wide of Danijel Subasic’s left-hand post.
Toulouse goalkeeper Alban Lafont saved from both Benjamin Mendy and Silva, before Toulouse captain Issa Diop produced a vital lunging block to deny Mbappe as Monaco gradually took control.
Sweden international Toivonen had scored just once this year, but the striker capitalised on woeful defending as Jemerson fluffed an attempted clearance to steer the visitors into a surprise 46th-minute lead.
Monaco’s response was immediate though, and they were level just three minutes later as Polish centre-back Glik rose to power in a cross from Joao Moutinho — the defender notching his sixth goal this term.
An unmarked Toivonen spurned a chance to nod Toulouse ahead for a second time when he headed tamely at Subasic, while Lafont then pulled off a stunning reflex stop to thwart Falcao from close range.
But the 18-year-old was beaten far too easily at his near post on 64 minutes as Mbappe pulled the trigger from a tight angle, his 24th goal in all competitions handing Monaco the lead.
Lemar provided breathing space with Monaco’s third on 75 minutes, the midfielder calmly side-footing home on the half-volley from Nabil Dirar’s floated cross to end Toulouse’s resistance.
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