(Ligue 1 2023/2024): Highlights NICE - MONACO

It was a high-stakes derby on the French Riviera to close out Matchday 21, with Monaco aiming to climb onto the podium with a win against a high-flying Nice side. Les Iglons were looking for their first home win in nearly four years against their rivals from down the coast. Takumi Minamino coming back into the starting line-up for the visitors, who went for a new-look free-man attack. But it was the Principality side who struck first. Kamaru playing it to Denis Zakaria, the midfielder lining up his shot and rifling into the top corner. The Swiss midfielder scoring his second goal of the campaign, and Nice conceding from outside the box for the first time this season. Nice were pushing for the equaliser as Guessant brought it down for Sanson, who hit it first time, but Cohn was able to get across in time. And Les Iglons had the momentum before half-time, as Dante's ball over the top found Tom Luché, who was brought down by Kera and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Gaetano Labote stepping up and sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. The striker levelling up the game with his fourth goal of the campaign. It's Monaco who were ahead early doors, but Nice saw more of the ball and grew into the game as the half went on and nearly took the lead at the end of the half. Adi Houta hoping for a spirited response from his side in the second half. And the visitors did strike again right after the break. Minamino sending in his cross, and it's Zakaria who emerged ahead in his second of the game. The midfielder with his first ever double to put his team back in front. And it went from bad to worse for Nice minutes later. The captain Dante with a rash challenge on Minamino. The decision going to VAR check, and it was a straight red card for the Brazilian. Nice down to ten for the remainder of the game. Nice were able to hit back, Sanson sending in the corner and Guessant rising over Sally, straight ahead in the equaliser. They ziggled down to ten men, but were able to fight back to draw level. But there was an instant response from Monaco. As Ismail Yacobz was played through on goal. Boker parrying the shot, but Golovkin getting to the follow up first to score the winner. The Russian grabbing his sixth goal of the season and sealing the three points as Monaco clinched their first win since the turn of the year. Principality side climbing onto the podium with those three points. Nice fought back with ten men, but fell short after a dramatic derby on the Riviera.