PSG thrash Monaco 5-2 in French league

By Can Erozden

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) won a seven-goal thriller against Monaco by 5-2 in Friday's French Ligue 1 match as club football returned after an international break.

In the 17th minute, PSG scored the opening goal at Paris' Parc des Princes.

Goncalo Ramos finished in close range after Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Kohn was unable to catch a shot by PSG star Ousmane Dembele.

Monaco replied quickly after PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma's big mistake.

Japanese forward Takumi Minamino intercepted Doannrumma's pass to score the equalizer.

PSG were awarded a penalty shot in the 38th minute after Dembele was fouled in the Monaco area. Kylian Mbappe scored from the white spot as Paris were in the lead again.

In minute 69, Dembele made it 3-1 for PSG, scoring from a narrow angle after a classy first touch. Dembele, who left Barcelona in August, scored his first goal for Paris.

A couple of minutes later, Vitinha scored outside the box to give a 4-1 lead to PSG.

In the 74th minute, Monaco forward Folarin Balogun had a through ball to beat Doannrumma. The visitors narrowed the gap to two goals.

But PSG finished off the scoring after France's Randal Kolo Muani netted near the end of the match.

Following the large win against third-place Monaco, PSG cemented their lead in Ligue 1 as the victors have 30 points in 13 matches.

Monaco have 24 points and is two points behind Nice, who will face Toulouse at home on Sunday.