Ansu Fati's Brace Propels Monaco to Second in Ligue 1 After 5-2 Victory Over Metz

Monaco Dominates Metz in High-Scoring Affair

AS Monaco clinched a resounding 5-2 victory over FC Metz in a thrilling Ligue 1 McDonald's encounter on Sunday, September 21, 2025. The match, held at Monaco's home ground, Stade Louis-II, saw a pivotal performance from substitute Ansu Fati, who netted two goals to help secure the win. This result elevated Monaco to second place in the league standings, trailing only Paris Saint-Germain on goal difference.

Fati's Immediate Impact After Loan Move

Spanish forward Ansu Fati, who joined Monaco on a season-long loan from Barcelona in July 2025, made a significant impact after being introduced at halftime. Fati wasted no time, scoring his first goal just 38 seconds into the second half, leveling the score at 2-1 after Metz had briefly equalized. His second goal, a diving header in the 83rd minute from a Krépin Diatta cross, restored Monaco's lead decisively. Fati's brace marked his first Ligue 1 goals and made him the second Monaco player in the 21st century to score twice on his debut in the French top flight.

Match Dynamics and Goal Scorers

The match began with FC Metz taking a surprising early lead in the 13th minute through Habib Diallo. However, Monaco quickly responded, with Mika Biereth finding the equalizer in the 28th minute, assisted by Takumi Minamino, to make it 1-1 at halftime. After Fati's initial second-half strike, Metz managed to draw level again in the 67th minute with a penalty converted by captain Gauthier Hein. Following Fati's second goal, Monaco extended their lead further with an own goal from Metz's Koffi Kouao in the 86th minute and a late strike from substitute George Ilenikhena in the 93rd minute, sealing the 5-2 victory.

Monaco Climbs to Second in Ligue 1 Standings

The comprehensive win marked Monaco's fourth victory in five league outings, propelling them to second position in the Ligue 1 table. This crucial result allows them to keep pace with the league leaders, demonstrating a strong response after a recent European defeat. The team's performance, particularly the offensive prowess displayed, underscores their ambition for the 2025/2026 season.