Ligue 1: Monaco Down Le Havre As Paul Pogba Watches From Sidelines, Lyon Edge Out Lens

Last Updated:August 17, 2025, 08:58 IST

An own goal from Guatier Lloris and strikes from Eric Dier and Maghnes Akliouche helped Monaco to a 3-1 win over Le Havre.

Ligue 1: Monaco beat Le Havre, Paul Pogba watched on from the stands.

AS Monaco picked up a 3-1 win over Le Havre in their season-opening Ligue 1 fixture on Saturday at the Louis II Stadium as new recruit Paul Pogba watched on from the stands. Elsewhere, Lyon got the better of RC Lens on the road to begin their season in positive fashion.

Monaco were put ahead by Le Havre keeper Guatier Lloris, before Eric Dier doubled his side’s tally in the 61st minute. Rassoul Ndiaye cut Havre’s deficit in half with a goal in the 67th minute, but Maghnes Akliouche’s strike seven minutes later assured the side from the principality of Monaco a win.

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Sporting a vintage Monaco jersey, and a cap, Pogba watched as his team quickly dominated an outclassed Le Havre after the midfielder signed a two-year contract with Monaco from Juventus this summer, aiming to revive his career in France.

The former Manchester United player had only made 12 appearances in the last three seasons due to injuries, suspension, and an extortion case where he was the victim.

However, fans will have to wait a bit longer to see Pogba in a Monaco jersey, along with Guinea-Bissau forward Ansu Fati, another major summer signing for the club.

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Happy Lyon

Georges Mikautadze’s lone strike proved to be the difference between Lyon and Lens in Northern France.

Lyon triumphed over their former coach Pierre Sage, who now leads Lens after Will Still’s departure.

Financially restricted for summer signings, Lyon found success with its existing squad, including strikers Malick Fofana and Mikautadze, and midfield stalwart Corentin Tolisso, who worked well together.

Fofana skillfully navigated the Lens defence, breaking through at the end of the first half to provide an ideal cross for Mikautadze.

Despite 18 shots on goal, Lens couldn’t capitalize, with Wesley Said and Deiver Machado both missing numerous chances.

New recruit Florian Thauvin came off the bench for Lens after 57 minutes to enthusiastic applause from the home fans, but despite adding creativity and freshness, the World Cup winner couldn’t make a difference.

Four days after being eliminated in the Champions League qualifying round by Benfica, Nice once again displayed shortcomings in a 1-0 defeat at home to Toulouse, with Djibril Sidibe scoring one minute before the final whistle.

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France

First Published:

August 17, 2025, 08:58 IST

News sports Ligue 1: Monaco Down Le Havre As Paul Pogba Watches From Sidelines, Lyon Edge Out Lens

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