Captain Marquinhos gave PSG the lead just past the half-hour mark at the Parc des Princes, where Luis Enrique’s team were playing in front of their own fans for the first time in this campaign. But Monaco hit back in the second half as Flavio Nazinho equalised before Belgian winger Stanis Idumbo fired in the winner for the principality side, who are top of the early standings with three wins from three. Paris Saint-Germain’s slow start to the French season continued on Friday as the reigning European champions went in front only to lose 2-1 at home to Monaco, who are top of Ligue 1.
The Qatar-owned club beat Aston Villa last month to win the UEFA Super Cup, but then lost to Lens in the French Champions Trophy before drawing their first two Ligue 1 outings, away to Rennes and Lille respectively.
The Brazilian defender, PSG’s captain, opened the scoring here on 31 minutes when he converted Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s ball across the face of goal with his chest. Balogun, who was at the centre of controversy at the World Cup after US President Donald Trump successfully intervened to force FIFA to suspend a red card so he could play against Belgium in the last 16, was left out here and has not played for his club this season.
The principality side, now coached by Brazilian ex-Atletico Madrid defender Filipe Luis, had been hoping to make a big sale to the Premier League before the transfer window closed to offset failing to reach this season’s Champions League.
“I saw the game and it was the typical game in which we were better than the opposition and created a lot more chances, but the opposition goalkeeper was the best player on the pitch. PSG, who announced before kick-off that coach Luis Enrique had signed a three-year contract extension to stay in charge until 2030, will begin their bid to win a third consecutive Champions League title next midweek at home to Slovan Bratislava.
“Balogun is a Monaco player and as long as he is a Monaco player, and when he is fit, he will be available to help the club,” said Filipe Luis.
