Arnaud Nordin scored twice as Montpellier Hérault SC romped to a 4-0 win away at AS Monaco on Sunday, a result that seriously damages the principality side’s hopes of Champions League qualification.
AS Monaco 0-4 Montpellier Hérault SC
THE MATCH
Fresh from beating Stade Rennais FC last time out, Montpellier went ahead before the half-hour mark at the Stade Louis II when Nordin finished low into the bottom corner on his left foot at the end of a fine run.
Elye Wahi missed a great chance to make it 2-0 just before the interval, but the visitors did score again in the 65th minute when Wahi set up Faitout Maouassa to beat home goalkeeper Alexander Nübel at his near post.
Another superb left-foot finish by Nordin made it 3-0 (72’), and substitute Stephy Mavididi – who netted the late winner against Rennes – put the seal on a memorable victory with 11 minutes left to play.
A second straight win for Montpellier effectively seals their survival as they move 11 points clear of the relegation zone with five rounds of the season remaining after this weekend. Monaco, meanwhile, suffered a second straight loss after going down 3-0 at RC Lens last time out. They were five points adrift of the podium before the teams above them had even taken to the field this weekend, and their hopes of qualifying for Europe’s elite club competition are fading fast.
THE PLAYER: Arnaud Nordin
Montpellier needed somebody to step up in the absence of the suspended Téji Savanier, and Nordin duly delivered with two goals and an assist. He now has seven league goals for the season. Nordin had never previously netted twice in the same Ligue 1 game.
THE STAT: 4
Monaco have now lost while conceding four goals on four separate occasions in the league this season. However, this was the first time they had lost by a four-goal margin since a 5-1 defeat by RC Strasbourg Alsace in January 2019.
