Folarin Balogun proved decisive for Monaco to extend their winning run in Ligue 1 to seven matches as they earned a 2-1 victory over fellow Champions League chasers Marseille.
Aleksandr Golovin scored his third goal in four matches to give the hosts a second half lead and Balogun’s expert chip sealed victory as Monaco moved up to fifth, level on points with their fourth-placed opponents and within one of the top three.
Amine Gouiri’s consolation was not enough to stop Marseille from suffering a second straight defeat as they missed the chance to move back into the Champions League places.
Marseille’s best chance of the first half arrived nine minutes before the break.
Igor Paixão made his way into the penalty area but fired straight at Lukas Hradecky.
The hosts took the lead in the 59th minute.
Jordan Teze put a ball into the area and Golovin was able to stab it home after goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli came off his line to try to collect the cross.
Hradecky became busier by the minute with Monaco opting to sit deeper and he produced a spectacular dive to stop Quinten Timber’s bullet effort after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg saw a chance saved.
But Monaco soaked up the pressure and doubled their advantage in style.
Balogun latched on to a long ball over the top and sent a brilliant chip over the head of Rulli and into the back of the net.
Marseille set up a grandstand finish when Gouiri netted from close range, but they were unable to find an equaliser, despite a late chance from Facundo Medina.
