Radamel Falcao scores as Monaco make lightning start to Ligue 1 campaign

Sport360 staff 00:28 12/08/2018
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    • Monaco began their Ligue 1 campaign with a 3-1 away win over Nantes.

    Last season’s runners-up were held at bay for over an hour at the Stade de la Beaujoire.

    Nantes were keen to make a good impression under new coach Miguel Cardoso and summer signing Lucas Evangelista forced a fine save from Diego Benaglio after just 12 seconds.

    But Monaco gradually got on top and three goals in 14 second-half minutes rewarded their superiority.

    Rony Lopes headed them into a 69th-minute lead and Stefan Jovetic gave them breathing space 10 minutes from time.

    Substitute Radamel Falcao swept home the third three minutes later before Emiliano Sala grabbed an injury-time consolation for Nantes.

    Rennes finished fifth last term but lost their season-opener at Lille 3-1.

    Clement Grenier put Rennes ahead two minutes before half-time but Lebo Mothiba equalised almost immediately.

    Lille’s dominance was eventually rewarded by second-half goals from Nicolas Pepe (64) and Jonathan Bamba (68).

    Newly-promoted Reims pulled off a shock 1-0 win at Nice with Moussa Doumbia claiming the third-minute winner.

    Fellow new boys Nimes produced a remarkable comeback to score three times in 12 minutes and win 4-3 at Angers.

    Sada Thioub gave Nimes the lead with a wonderful solo effort after four minutes, but Pierrick Capelle (33), Angelo Fulgini (50) and Ismael Traore (56) appeared to have put Angers in cruise control.

    Clement Depres (76) pulled one back but Nimes’ hopes seemed over when Florian Miguel received a second yellow card 11 minutes from time and was sent off.

    However, Renaud Ripart (86) and an own goal from Romain Thomas (88) provided an astonishing finale.

    Dijon also staged a dramatic finish to win 2-1 at Montpellier.

    Pedro Mendes put Montpellier ahead in the fifth-minute, but Julio Tavares (51) equalised and defender Senou Coulibaly scored from a corner in the first minute of stoppage time.

    Wahbi Kahzri and Lois Diony were on target as St Etienne beat Guingamp 2-1, with Marcus Thuram replying for the visitors.

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