In a dramatic Ligue 1 clash, Folarin Balogun's first start for Monaco turned into a penalty heartache as local rivals Nice snatched a last-minute victory. Nice, fresh off their stunning 3-2 win over PSG, repeated their heroics, with Jeremie Boga weaving through Monaco's defense to secure the late win.
Nice's win propelled them to the top of Ligue 1, edging out Monaco by just one point, maintaining their undefeated start to the season. It was a disappointing debut for US international striker Balogun, who transferred from Arsenal to Monaco for €30 million this summer.
Balogun had two penalties saved by Nice's Marcin Bulka in the 12th and 54th minutes. His first attempt, awarded for a foul on Aleksandr Golovin, lacked power. The second, following a foul on Takumi Minamino, was also denied by the Polish goalkeeper.
Monaco's coach, Adi Hutter, commented, "He was unlucky. He is frustrated. We're going to help him bounce back – we win together and we lose together." Nice's manager, Francesco Farioli, acknowledged their fortune, saying, "We were very lucky. It's very rare to win after having conceded two penalties that were then saved."
Balogun, who had previously scored as a substitute, was eventually substituted for penalty specialist Wissam Ben Yedder. Coach Hutter defended Balogun, stating, "I'm not going to justify myself every time Ben Yedder or Balogun plays. Balogun was very good on the pitch in the game tonight."
Nice's win propelled them to the top of Ligue 1, edging out Monaco by just one point, maintaining their undefeated start to the season. It was a disappointing debut for US international striker Balogun, who transferred from Arsenal to Monaco for €30 million this summer.
Balogun had two penalties saved by Nice's Marcin Bulka in the 12th and 54th minutes. His first attempt, awarded for a foul on Aleksandr Golovin, lacked power. The second, following a foul on Takumi Minamino, was also denied by the Polish goalkeeper.
Monaco's coach, Adi Hutter, commented, "He was unlucky. He is frustrated. We're going to help him bounce back – we win together and we lose together." Nice's manager, Francesco Farioli, acknowledged their fortune, saying, "We were very lucky. It's very rare to win after having conceded two penalties that were then saved."
Balogun, who had previously scored as a substitute, was eventually substituted for penalty specialist Wissam Ben Yedder. Coach Hutter defended Balogun, stating, "I'm not going to justify myself every time Ben Yedder or Balogun plays. Balogun was very good on the pitch in the game tonight."
