AS Monaco beat Bastia 3-0 and gets closer to the podium

Monegasques plunge ahead after defeating the Corsicans

Friday, March 13, was late night football at Stade Louis II in the Principality, the local and visiting teams entered the field and soon after all the fans stood up for an emotional minute of applause in honor of the three French athletes who recently lost their lives in a helicopters’ accident in Argentina. But the best way for the Monegasque players to celebrate the lives of their sports colleagues was a resonant triumph against Bastia with a snug 3-0. Leonardo Jardim was quoted saying: “It is always good for confidence to win, specially with an ample score.”

The teams on the field before the start of the match @CelinaLafuenteDeLavotha

Honoring Camille, Alexis and Florence @CelinaLafuenteDeLavotha

Monaco dominated throughout the match against Bastia, that was a good work-out for the upcoming face-off against the big boys of Arsenal on Tuesday, March 17 at Stade Louis II in the Champions League knockout round of last 16, with a good chance to get to the quarterfinals. French Teenager Anthony Martial opened the score for the Red and Whites at 22^nd of the first period, followed shortly by a goal in the 42^nd minute from Brazilian forward Matheus Carvalho (the 23 year-old is on a loan from Fluminense), with Martial marking his second goal at the 51^st minute into the second half. Monaco was the better team, and on top of that two players from Bastia, Drissa Diakite and Giovanni Sio were red carded leaving the visiting team in inferiority conditions.

Matheus ready to score his goal marked by Modesto @CelinaLafuenteDeLavotha

Matheus embraced by Abdennour after scoring, with other teammates and Modesto from Bastia looking down @CelinaLafuenteDeLavotha

Matheus thanking God with his teammates looking on @CelinaLafuenteDeLavotha

Kurrawa after a powerful shot @CelinaLafuenteDeLavotha

Martial saluted by his teammates with Matheus doing high five with Silva @CelinaLafuenteDeLavotha

Congratulating Martial after his goal @CelinaLafuenteDeLavotha

Martial was in his best form @CelinaLafuenteDeLavotha

French League 1 Table

Monaco has a total of 50 points placing them at a striking distance from Marseille (54 points) who tied with leader Lyon (58) this Sunday, in spite of a goal by Lucas Ocampos (on a loan by Monaco to OM) that was not validated by the referee; and 1 point ahead from St. Etienne (49 points) who beat Metz on Saturday. But the Monegasques have still to play home game 25th against Montepellier (45) that was canceled due to inclement weather and has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 7 at 19:00.