First played third in France on Sunday, and it was champions PSG who will rue the 1-1 draw against leaders Monaco the most as they stumble in the chase for the top.
ADVERTISEMENTThis weekend in France, table toppers PSG and Monaco faced each other in the Parc des Princes in a crucial match for the league leadership. When it looked like the match would finish without any goals, both teams woke up just in time to score. One of them became the new leader in Ligue 1.
PSG had a woeful 20 years after producing some great sides in the 1990s, but thanks to a huge injection of Arab money, they now rule the roost. European success however eludes them and in the French league the feeling is they are rarely stretched. Well Monaco stretched them at the weekend to keep the top spot and their attack, with 64 goals already, looks to be good enough to take the title from the champions. The revival on the south coast has been a long time coming, as Monaco have won only one title since Arsene Wenger left the club.
Up & Down
As always in our up & down, we dedicate a special mention to those who, for good or for ill, have been the main protagonists this weekend.
UP – Edinson Cavani’s latest goal for PSG brings his tally to 110. He is the second top scorer in the history of the French club, behind Ibrahimovic with 156.
Also UP – Is Monaco’s Bernardo Silva. His 7 goals and 5 assists this season with Monaco makes him a rising star and one of the surprises this season in Europe.
However DOWN is Kevin Trapp. PSG’s goalkeeper was injured in the 54th minute, and he might not be able to play the Champions League match against Barça next week.
Top scorers in Europe
Who is hitting the net the most this season in Europe? If you thought Cristiano Ronaldo
or Leo Messi, well, you are wrong. Surprisingly two of the most effective players this season belong in the French League.
Edinson Cavani and Alexandre Lacazette may operate in a lesser league, where goals are given less weight, (1.5), than in Spain, England, Italy or Germany, (2.0), but they are arch-predators in France, big beasts who terrify defences. Cavani has 21 league goals already, while Lyon’s Lacazette has 18.
We might be wrong
As usual, euronews sport team has done its own prediction of some of the most important upcoming matches. You can participate with us using the hashtag #thecornerscores.
Spain:
FC Barcelona 3 -1 Athletic Bilbao
England:
Chelsea 2 -2 Arsenal
Italy:
Juventus 1-0 Inter Milan
France:
Monaco 2 -1 Nice
Training sportsmanship young
Before the end of this edition we want to show you some great images. The protagonists in this game are no older than six, but they have learned that when there’s a goal you must celebrate it, no matter if it’s the rival who scored. The Corner is back next Monday. See you soon!