Denis Zakaria’s crucial header helped AS Monaco secure a 2-0 victory over Olympique Lyonnais, sealing their spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League and pushing them into second place in Ligue 1.
The Monaco captain, who has Congolese and South Sudanese heritage, played a pivotal role as his side extended their unbeaten home record in the league this year to eight games, with seven wins and a draw.
The match began with early drama as Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri nearly gifted Monaco an opener within the first seven minutes, narrowly avoiding embarrassment after Mika Biereth’s block sent his attempted clearance just wide.
Lyon, sitting four points behind Monaco before the game, responded quickly, with Tanner Tessmann missing a golden opportunity to put the visitors ahead after a rapid counterattack.
Monaco’s Philipp Kohn was also called into action, diving to deny Alexandre Lacazette following a sharp through ball from Thiago Almada, while Perri at the other end had to be quick off his line to prevent Takumi Minamino from breaking the deadlock.
Lyon suffered a setback midway through the first half when Clinton Mata limped off, forcing an early substitution as Duje Caleta-Car entered the fray.
After a goalless first half, Monaco broke the deadlock in the second half when Takumi Minamino fired across Perri into the far corner, capitalising on a misplaced pass from Jordan Veretout.
Minutes later, Zakaria doubled the lead, rising highest to nod in Lamine Camara’s perfectly weighted free-kick, effectively putting the contest to bed.
Lyon attempted to mount a late comeback by introducing Rayan Cherki and Georges Mikautadze, but it was too little, too late.
The defeat leaves Lyon with an uphill task to secure European football next season, while Monaco head into their final match against RC Lens with their Champions League spot secured.
