Match Report: Toulouse FC 0-2 AS Monaco FC

AS Monaco FC defeated Toulouse 2-0 thanks to a first-half goal to Layvin Kurzawa and a chef-d'oeuvre from Lucas Ocampos in the second. A week out from their derby clash with OM, AS Monaco FC move five points clear of Lille in the standings.
TFC on the attack
The Toulouse players made a very different start to this match, compared to the one in last August at the Stade Louis II where they seemed intent on defending. With the lively attacking duo of Braithwaite and Ben Yedder, Toulouse carved out the first three scoring chances of the match. A first Braithwaite shot was claimed by Subasic in the 4th minute, before the Danish attacker headed wide moments later (8'). In the 12th minute, Ben Yedder tried his luck, but his shot shaved the outside of the post. It took until the 18th minute for Monaco to get their first real opening as Kondogbia released Falcao down the left and the Colombian picked out Germain in the area. The goal-bound effort was saved by an outstretched TFC leg. At the other end, Subasic won his one-on-one with Akpa-Akpro.
Kurzawa scores again
The chances dried up, despite a good opening for Aurier, whose header failed to hit the target (29'). Just as it looked as though it would be scoreless at the break, Les Rouge et Blanc made the breakthrough in the 36th minute. A long free-kick from Toulalan was cleared, but Kondogbia picked up possession on the left and picked out Kurzawa, whose side foot finish gave Ahamada no chance (36'). Almost right from kick-off, James had a great chance to double the lead, but his volley passed just too high. Just before the break, ASM survived another scare as Sylla missed from an ideal position. Monaco's lead was a good result at the break, but not entirely undeserved.
Falcao unrewarded
Les Rouge et Blanc showed much more in the second half. However Sylla drew another fine save from Subasic before Falcao had three (!) efforts cleared off the line. For one of them, the Colombian hit-man was clearly fouled in the area but he tried to play on and wasn't rewarded by the referee when he clearly should have had a penalty. Just before the hour mark, Ahamada denied Germain (59'), before he watch as Falcao's curling effort was turned around for a corner. ASM were close to a second goal, but Subasic still had to be alert to deny Ben Yedder (66'). 2à minutes from time, Claudio Ranieri decided to rest Falcao and reorganise his side in a flat 4-4-2.
An incredible Ocampos goal
While TFC threw everything into the final stages, the Asémiste defence held firm, perfectly illustrated by a Carvalho on top of his game. In the 83rd minute, Fabinho (who came on eight minutes earlier to replace Obbadi) was brought down just outside the box. James' free-kick didn't hit the target. The Colombian was a lot more precise when he crossed for Lucas Ocampos in the 88th minute. The Argentine blasted the ball home with a magnificent bicycle kick to double ASM's lead. It was a goal that should tour the world of football in the next few days! It was a third goal for Ocampos and a ninth assist for James. Just a week out from the match with OM, Les Rouge et Blanc won 2-0 at the Stadium and opens up a five-point lead over LOSC in third.