Denis Zakaria decisive as Adingra disappoints: Monaco’s ratings after 3-2 comeback at Lens | OneFootball

AS Monaco came from two down at Bollaert on Saturday 21 February to beat Lens 3-2, scoring three times in nine minutes through Folarin Balogun, Denis Zakaria and Ansu Fati. The captain impressed at the heart of a back three.

The hosts struck first with Édouard’s volley from their opening attempt, then Thauvin made it 2-0 after Köhn pushed out Sarr’s shot. Nice-Matin notes that Zakaria then took command, while Simon Adingra offered too little protection for his left-back.

Köhn had an erratic night yet stayed sharp late on. Kehrer produced vital interventions to deny Thomasson and Udol, while Faes struggled once Saint-Maximin gathered speed. Henrique endured a taxing first half but supplied the superb cross for Zakaria’s towering equaliser.

Diatta’s bruising half-hour included a VAR reprieve for handball before a right thigh issue forced him off, with Bamba on at 31 minutes adding bite and zip but almost erring in the middle late on. Teze was involved in both goals conceded, then his long clearance launched the third.

Camara was tentative under pressure but later saved a likely leveller with a tackle on Fofana at 80 minutes. Coulibaly lacked polish yet forced the turnover that led to Balogun’s goal, who had earlier missed a one-on-one on 21 minutes. Adingra made way for Fati on 69, Balogun departed for Biereth on 85, and coach Sébastien Pocognoli’s persistence with a back three paid off.

Source: Nice-Matin