Soccer

Lorient Hand Filipe Luís First Monaco Defeat in Ligue 1

By Hugo Brennan

Lorient Hand Filipe Luís First Monaco Defeat in Ligue 1

Monaco’s first setback under Filipe Luís arrived on the Brittany coast, where Lorient claimed a 1-0 Ligue 1 victory and tightened the championship picture at the summit.

Noah Cadiou converted a penalty in the 61st minute to settle Sunday’s seventh-round meeting, ending the Brazilian coach’s unbeaten start since taking charge of the principality club.

Monaco remain first in Ligue 1 on 14 points, but Paris Saint-Germain have now drawn level after defeating Strasbourg on Saturday. PSG sit second on the table despite matching Monaco’s total.

A first loss after a strong opening

The trip to Lorient was Filipe Luís’s 10th match at Monaco across Ligue 1 and the UEFA Conference League. His record now stands at seven wins, two draws and one defeat.

The result leaves little room for Monaco to dwell on their first loss. Their next league fixture is another meeting with direct significance near the top of the standings.

Lille next in a crowded race

Monaco will host Lille next Sunday, with Davide Ancelotti’s side third in the table and also on 14 points. The same weekend, PSG are due to welcome Lyon in Paris.