Monaco took their season tally to an astonishing 117 goals, beating Marseille 4-3 away on Wednesday in a pulsating match to reach the Coupe de France quarterfinals and remain on course for a domestic treble.
Monaco top the French league ahead of PSG and they meet in the League Cup final next month. Both are still involved in the Champions League in one of the most exciting seasons in French football for many years.
That the match in Marseille went to extra time was a credit to the home side’s tenacity, especially after the 5-1 drubbing by PSG on Sunday night.
Marseille twice came from behind to force extra time and equalized again in extra time.
But Monaco’s razor-sharp attack shredded Marseille on the counter, making it the 13th time this season Monaco have scored at least four goals in one game. Monaco beat Marseille 4-0 at home and 4-1 away in the league.
Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe further underlined his reputation as one of the rising stars of European football with a fine finish and an unselfish assist. The 18-year-old forward was also involved in the build-up for the winner, scored by midfielder Thomas Lemar, and tormented Marseille’s defense with his electric speed and sudden changes of direction.
Monaco’s first came close in the 19th minute, Jao Moutinho’s free kick hit the post and then bounced back off goalkeeper Yohann Pele.
Moments before half-time, Marseille playmaker Dimitri Payet swiveled to meet winger Florian Thauvin’s cross from the left with a superb half-volley.
Mbappe, recently impressive against Manchester City in the Champions League, scored his 13th goal of the season midway through the second half. He timed his run to the front post perfectly, and then used a subtle touch to flick left-back Benjamin Mendy’s cross into the right corner.
However, Marseille winger Remy Cabella made it 2-2 with six minutes left, tucking away a pass from Japan right-back Hiroki Sakai.
Monaco’s third started deep inside their own half and ended with Mbappe bursting through from halfway before unselfishly squaring for Mendy. But poor defending gifted Cabella his second goal of the night.
Lemar thumped home the winner from Mendy’s pass with seven minutes left in extra time.
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