After a thrilling encounter, AS Monaco snatch three points in Auxerre

They did it again at the very end! Ahead at halftime, AS Monaco’s players had to show self-sacrifice against a strong AJ Auxerre team to secure a crucial victory in Burgundy (1-2), one which was secured thanks to George Ilenikhena in added time, marking important victory before the Champions League comeback. Recap✍️

The context 📅

Having left en masse for their national teams during the break (26 players, including youngsters), the Rouge et Blanc approached this duel against AJA with the desire to secure a third victory in the top flight – and do as they had last year (a 0-3 win) -, and their first on the road. It would be a big challenge against a dangerous side on the counter, just before playing in the Champions League Thursday in Bruges.

The XI 👥

To do this, Adi Hütter decided to rest some internationals who had made long journeys, but again played his side in the traditional 4-4-2. Of note was a new-look defense with the return of Vanderson on the right, Kehrer and Salisu centrally and Kassoum Ouattara on the left, while Aladji Bamba made his first start in Ligue 1.

The scenario 🎞

The kick-off took place in a downpour, but with the support of 800 Monaco supporters who had traveled to the Stade Abbé-Deschamps. However, it was Auxerre who got their first chance through Namaso, who hit the post (6′). The response from our Monégasques came after a sublime three-way interchange between Minamino, Biereth and Balogun, who could only find the top of the side netting (12′).

Köhn puts on an impressive display

This first half was played at 100 miles an hour and Vanderson impressed to stop a deep run by Sinayoko (13′), before an unbelieveable save by Philipp Köhn on Mara (21′) to prevent the Burgundians from opening the scoring. There was no more success for Casimir thereafter (28′), but while AS Monaco kept the ball (75% possession), they couldn’t find the opener.

L'arrêt FAN-TAS-TIQUE de Philipp Kohn sur cette frappe de Sekou Mara ! 😱#AJAASM pic.twitter.com/rSQ6mxD53P

— L1+ (@ligue1plus) September 13, 2025

Super Taki’ strikes in added time !

That was until an opportunistic finish from Takumi Minamino, lurking at the far post, scored his second goal of the season in added time (0-1, 45+2′)! After the break, the Rouge et Blanc came back with the desire to extend their lead, but Folarin Balogun missed the target (57′) before Mika Biereth’s header lacked power on a very good cross from substitute Caio Henrique (65′).

Mister George ends the suspense…

Having started with Brazil during the break, the number 12 then saw his direct free kick deflected over the bar (70′). It was a shame, because soon thereafter, Namaso’s cross-shot was deflected by Salisu into his own goal (1-1, 73′). The Monegasques then started attacking and Thilo Kehrer sent a powerful header onto the Auxerre bar (86′). It was only a postponement, since on a fine ball from Vanderson, George Ilenikhena put his teammates back ahead (1-2, 89′)!

L'@AS_Monaco a un nouveau prince : 𝗚𝗘𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗘 𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗞𝗛𝗘𝗡𝗔 👑#AJAASM pic.twitter.com/WHZJGEYWne

— L1+ (@ligue1plus) September 13, 2025

It was thus a winning header despite a final decisive save from a decisive Philipp Köhn (91′), which allowed the Principality club to continue and win again by the skin of their teeth (1-2). The result was surely a good omen before the return of the Champions League in Bruges on Thursday (18:45). DAGHE MUNEGU !!! 🇲🇨

Key moments 🎥

6′: A powerful shot from Namaso skims the left post
12′: A deflection from Biereth finds Balogun who only hits the side netting
13′: Vanderson’s late tackle stops Sinayoko who is in on goal
21′: An extraordinary save from Köhn stops a long shot from Mara
28′: ​​Casimir fires an effort that ends up in the side netting
45 + 2′: Minamino is lurking at the far post to open the scoring (0-1)
57′: Balogun curls an effort wide
65′: A cross from C. Henrique finds Biereth’s head, but it’s saved by De Percin
70′: A direct free kick from C. Henrique deflected by Senaya
73′: Namaso’s cross is deflected into his own net by Salisu (1-1)
86′: A header by Kehrer from a corner hits the crossbar
89′: Vanderson’s cross is headed in by Ilenikhena (1-2)
91′: Köhn saves a first-time shot from Osman

🗓️ Match details:

Saturday, September 13 2025 (21:05) – Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps

Ligue 1 McDonald’s – Matchday 4: AJ Auxerre 1-2 AS Monaco

Halftime: 0-1

Goals: Salisu (73′, OG) for Auxerre; Minamino (45+2′) and Ilenikhena (89′) for AS Monaco 

Bookings: Casimir (55′, 68′) and Owusu (64′) for Auxerre; Zakaria (38′), Ouattara (42′), Minamino (55′), Bamba (72′), Brunner (75′) and C.Henrique (93′) for AS Monaco

Red card: Casimir (68′)

Auxerre: De Percin – Senaya, Siwe, Oppegard, Mensah, Casimir – Owusu, Danois – Namaso, Mara (Coulibaly, 65′), Sinayoko (Matondo, 77′)

Substitutes: Negrel, Sy, Petit Dol, Burek, Dioussé, Matondo, Coulibaly, Osman, Duvernois

Manager: Christophe Pélissier

AS Monaco: Köhn – Vanderson, Kehrer, Salisu, Ouattara (C.Henrique, 63′) – Akliouche, Bamba (Camara, 78′), Zakaria ©, Minamino (Coulibaly, 92′) – Biereth (Ilenikhena, 78′), Balogun (Brunner, 63′)

Substitutes: Lienard, C.Henrique, Dier, Mawissa, Teze, Camara, Coulibaly, Brunner, Ilenikhena

Manager: Adi Hütter