PSG vs Marseille match delayed, Ansu Fati nets brace for Monaco
The eagerly awaited Ligue 1 encounter between Paris Saint Germain and their fierce rivals Marseille was put back on Sunday because of predicted storms across southern France, as substitute star Ansu Fati netted a brace to help Monaco secure a 5-2 victory over Metz.
The high profile clash between Marseille and PSG, the most anticipated in French football, had been set for late Sunday, yet it got cancelled due to concerns from local officials over expected intense rain posing dangers to participants and fans alike.
Given the tight schedule with both teams committed to Champions League duties, the French top flight acted swiftly to reschedule the game for Monday night at 8:00 pm local time, which is 1800 GMT.
This adjustment will see it overlap with the Ballon dOr gala in Paris, where several players from last seasons victorious PSG Champions League squad are in contention for the sports premier personal honour.
Ousmane Dembele, with 35 goals to his name for Luis Enriques team across all tournaments in their impressive run, leads the betting to claim the prize, though he remains sidelined by injury and unavailable for the Marseille fixture.
Sundays Ligue 1 action that proceeded was full of excitement.
Barcelona loanee Fati delivered a remarkable contribution from the substitutes bench for Monaco, as the team from the Principality recovered from Thursdays 4-1 Champions League defeat to Club Brugge.
Monaco seemed to carry over some sluggishness, with Metz taking an early lead at Stade Louis II via Habib Diallo, though Danish forward Mika Biereth quickly levelled the score for Monaco.
Emegha clinches victory for Strasbourg
Fati had managed a late goal as a substitute in Bruges during his debut for Monaco after his July loan move from Barcelona, where injuries had hampered his progress.
This Sunday, Fati entered at halftime replacing young German Paris Brunner and took only 40 seconds to score his first Ligue 1 goal for the club, assisted by Lamine Camara.
Gauthier Hein equalised for Metz from the spot after Takumi Minamino committed a foul away from the ball, but Fati nodded in a cross from Krepin Diatta to put Monaco ahead once more in the 83rd minute.
This marked Fatis third goal across two matches in just four days, ending a drought since November 2023 during his loan spell at Brighton and Hove Albion.
An own goal by Koffi Kouao followed by a George Ilenikhena effort in added time sealed a fourth win from five league games for Monaco, who sit level with table topping PSG on points but behind on goal difference after an extra match played.
Strasbourg and Lyon match the leaders with 12 points following Strasbourgs 3-2 triumph at Paris FC in the city.
Chelsea loanee Kendry Paez opened the scoring for Strasbourg in the opening period, with Guela Doue adding a second, before Nouha Dicko responded for the home side.
Strasbourg ensured the win with an 87th minute strike from Emmanuel Emegha, whose impending transfer to Chelsea next season has triggered fan backlash at the club.
Supporters are displeased that Strasbourg shares ownership with the Premier League outfit via the BlueCo group, yet Liam Roseniors squad keeps delivering strong performances.
"He shone brightly," noted Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior about his captain Emegha. "From my view, little has shifted. I aim to shield my players from external distractions. He continues to excel and contribute goals for us."
Paris FC managed a late consolation but have dropped points in three of five outings since promotion to the elite division.
Auxerre edged Toulouse 1-0 courtesy of Danny Namaso, enduring much of the second half a player short. Le Havre and Lorient finished level at 1-1.