Paris - Monaco sets the Parc des Princes alight!

It was a chilly Friday evening in the capital. So what better way to get back into the thick of the Ligue 1 action than with a gala match? After an international break full of action from all corners of the globe, our Parisians were back on home soil for a top-of-the-table clash against AS Monaco, who sat third at the start of the game. Deprived of captain Marquinhos and rising star Warren Zaire-Emery, Luis Enrique was not shy in his decision to field an attack-oriented XI, led by a forward line fresh rom success with Les Bleus: Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Randal Kolo Muani!

We were expecting a tactical battle, a few nervous moments and plenty of goals as the two best attacks in our league went head to head. Bingo! There was all that and more!

Firstly, because there was no question of hesitation against a principality side who have been on fire since the start of the season. The opening minutes, the first challenges and the first runs quickly set the scene: our Parisians had decided to dominate possession so as not to get caught out. Aggressive in their counter-pressing, diligent in their passing and creative in their use of the ball, our Rouge et Bleu had all the ingredients needed to meet the challenge imposed by their opponents.

So it was only logical that our Parisians should be rewarded! And it was Gonçalo Ramos who provided the inspiration. With the legendary Portuguese striker Pedro Miguel Pauleta watching on, Ramos proved razor-sharp as he latched onto a loose ball after Köhn had fumbled Ousmane Dembélé's shot (1-0, 18').

Faced with a Monaco side who have proven to be Paris' bogey team over the years, one suspected there would be a few ups and downs... and there were. Gigio Donnarumma did well initially in keeping out the opposition's attempts (11', 13')... before a moment's confusion created a window of opportunity for Minamino, who equalised opportunistically (1-1, 22'). A setback that did nothing to destabilise our team, still ready to push forward as one.

And who better than Kylian Mbappé to dampen Monaco's nascent enthusiasm? The French world champion converted a penalty - won by compatriot Ousmane Dembélé - brilliantly, without batting an eyelid (2-1, 39'). The chants continued to rain down in a Parc warmed by the exceptional fervour of the Rouge et Bleu supporters. It was enough to give our Parisians courage - not least our goalkeeper, who acted smartly to save his side just before half-time (45').

The second half was no different. Faced with a Monegasque side that threatened from the outset, there was no question of the Parisians' letting up the pressure. So Les Rouge et Bleu continued to throw everything they had into the battle, with the Hakimi-Dembélé duo impressing down the right flank. In the warmth of our Parc, our Parisians, buoyed by their supporters, were able to withstand the winter chill and the headwinds of the Monaco attack.

What's more, they put the seal on their success by adding the finishing touches to the scoreline thanks to a man who was definitely in the right place at the right time! Already involved in the first two goals, Ousmane Dembélé delivered a solo blitz this time, controlling Fabian Ruiz's through ball with a devastating flick before firing an unstoppable near-post missile into the top corner (3-1, 70'). A stroke of genius before the coup de grâce. Vitinha, a specialist in delightful shots from distance, took his turn to send the Parc into raptures with a marvellous curling right-foot shot (4-1, 72'). Magical! Balogun's consolation goal (4-2, 76') did not change the outcome of this spectacular match, which ended with a fifth Parisian goal, this time from Randal Kolo Muani, who came off the bench to show his quality in the late stages (5-2, 90'+6)!

At the end of a hard-fought and intense encounter, Paris Saint-Germain secured a highly valuable victory to consolidate their position at the top of the league table, with the added luxury of increasing their lead over their opponents on the night. An excellent way to start a rich menu of fixtures, with the return of the prestigious Champions League as Les Rouge et Bleu take on Newcastle at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday. The date is set.