Montpellier Hérault SC 2-2 AS Monaco

THE MATCH

Monaco were denied back-to-back victories for the first time this season and as a result of Delort's late strike are still in the bottom three. Montpellier's challenge for a European finish continues, although they will have to wait at least another year to record their first home success against the Principality club since 1990.

Gelson Martins has impressed at Monaco since joining on loan from Atlético Madrid and the Portuguese (15') gave the visitors the lead with an acrobatic volley from a Fodé Ballo-Touré cross. Montpellier equalised (66') when Ballo-Touré's slip allowed a gleeful Gaëtan Laborde to fire home. Monaco were playing with ten men at that point as the luckless Aleksandr Golovin had to go off with an ankle injury.

Adrien Silva replaced the Russian and the loan signing from Leicester's side went back in front (84') when Radamel Falcao - having a queit game - followed up after Benjamin Lecomte had saved from Gelson Martins.

There was a sting in the tail for Monaco as a penalty was awarded by Frank Schneider after a VAR review. Kamil Glik had fouled MHSC sub Petar Skuletic. Delort's penalty only just squeezed past Danijel Subasic, marginally crossing the line. There was still time for Monaco midfielder Jemerson to be sent off for a second yellow card as the closing minutes left a bitter taste in Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim's mouth.

THE PLAYER: Radamel Falcao

El Tigre marked his 33^rd birthday with what looked like was going to be the winning goal, only for Montpellier to spoil his day. Now on nine league goals for the season, this was the Colombian international's second goal of 2019. With greater attacking talent around him following Monaco's winter recruitment, it shouldn't be long before the veteran hits double figures for the third season running.

THE STAT: 20

Montpellier have failed to win any of their last 20 home Ligue 1 Conforama meetings with Monaco (8D, 12 L).