In a compelling Ligue 1 encounter at Stade Louis II, Lyon emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Monaco, thanks to a standout performance from Pavel Sulc. The match, held on January 3, 2026, saw Sulc net twice, while Abner Vinicius added a third to secure the points for the visitors. Monaco's Mamadou Coulibaly scored their only goal but was later sent off, adding to the home side's woes.
Sulc's Brilliance and Coulibaly's Misfortune
The first half was a balanced affair, with both teams finding the net. Lyon took the lead in the 38th minute through Sulc, assisted by Nicolás Tagliafico. Monaco responded just before the break, with Mamadou Coulibaly equalizing in the 45th minute, assisted by Folarin Balogun. However, the second half saw a turning point when Coulibaly received a red card in the 70th minute for a serious foul, leaving Monaco with ten men.
Lyon Capitalizes on Numerical Advantage
With Monaco down to ten men, Lyon capitalized on their numerical advantage. Sulc scored his second in the 57th minute, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles providing the assist. Abner Vinicius sealed the victory in the 79th minute, converting a pass from Tagliafico. Lyon's dominance was reflected in their 56% possession and nine shots on target compared to Monaco's two.
Statistical Insights and Future Implications
Monaco struggled with discipline, committing 14 fouls and receiving two yellow cards alongside Coulibaly's red. Despite a solid defensive effort with six saves, Monaco's goalkeeper couldn't prevent the defeat. Lyon's Corentin Tolisso was influential in midfield, completing 68 passes with an 85% accuracy rate. This victory marks a significant boost for Lyon, who had been struggling with form, while Monaco will need to regroup after this setback.
Looking Ahead
Monaco's recent form has been inconsistent, with this loss adding pressure as they aim to stabilize their season. Lyon, on the other hand, will look to build on this performance as they seek to climb the Ligue 1 standings. Pavel Sulc's performance will be a key talking point, as his contributions were crucial in securing this vital away win.
