Balogun's Sublime Chip

Striker's Audacious Chip Extends Monaco's Stunning Revival

Folarin Balogun is in the form of his life, and Marseille were the latest victims.

The 24-year-old American striker scored for the sixth consecutive league match on Sunday, producing a moment of genuine quality to seal Monaco's 2-1 victory in a pivotal Ligue 1 clash at the Stade Louis II. With Monaco and Marseille both chasing Champions League qualification, the stakes could hardly have been higher, and Balogun delivered when it mattered most.

Aleksandr Golovin had given the hosts the lead in the 59th minute, stabbing home Jordan Teze's cross after goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli misjudged his attempt to collect it. Marseille pushed back hard, forcing goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky into a spectacular stop to deny Quinten Timber, but Monaco absorbed the pressure and struck decisively. Balogun latched onto a ball played over the top and, with Rulli advancing, coolly chipped the goalkeeper to double the advantage—a finish that was as composed as it was technically demanding. His xG for the effort was just 0.07, making the execution all the more impressive.

Amine Gouiri pulled one back late on to set up a nervy finish, but Monaco held firm to extend their unbeaten league run to ten matches—a remarkable turnaround for a side that had lost seven of eight games earlier in the season.

On the other side, fellow American Tim Weah started at right wing-back for Marseille, playing 89 minutes and completing 88% of his passes while creating two chances, including one big chance. It was an industrious enough shift, but his side's second successive defeat leaves them outside the top three and looking nervously over their shoulders at Monaco, who have now pulled level on points.

For Balogun, the goals just keep coming.