Cheeky Fabinho puts Monaco clear at top
AFP
AFP, PARIS: Nerveless Fabinho chipped in a late penalty as Monaco beat Guingamp 2-1 away on Saturday to move clear at the top of the Ligue 1 table once again.
Kamil Glik gave the principality side the lead in Brittany and Fabinho netted with a Panenka from the spot with four minutes left before Etienne Didot pulled one back late on for the hosts.
It was a welcome return to winning ways for Monaco after their 5-3 defeat to Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie in midweek.
Leonardo Jardims side are three points clear at the summit from Nice, who came from behind to beat Montpellier 2-1 on Friday with a brace from substitute Mickael Le Bihan in his first appearance in 17 months after injury.
It was crucial to remain focused after a draining Champions League game, the guys did really well and Im very happy with them, Jardim said.
Reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain are six points behind the leaders in third place before they visit bitter rivals Marseille on Sunday evening.
Monaco were without the banned defensive duo of Benjamin Mendy and Andrea Raggi at the Stade du Roudourou as Jemerson, Almamy Toure, Joao Moutinho and Valere Germain all came into the side.
Guingamp had won just one of their previous eight games but beat Marseille, PSG and Lyon at home this season and they had the ball in the net in the 21st minute.
However, Moustapha Diallos headed effort from a Yannis Salibur cross was disallowed for offside.
Monaco took the lead just three minutes later as a Thomas Lemar free-kick was inadvertently helped on by Guingamp captain Jimmy Briand and Polish stopper Glik was there at the back post, stretching his leg to turn the ball in.
