AS Monaco edged to a 1-0 victory over Nantes to pick up their first points of the new Ligue 1 season this evening.
The hosts were handed a perfect opportunity to open the scoring midway through the first half when Monaco keeper Danijel Subasic conceded a penalty for a foul on Serge Gakpe.
Gakpe got up to take the spot kick himself, but Subasic atoned for his earlier error by making the save and keeping the scoreline goalless.
Jordan Veretout had two chances of his own in quick succession moments later, but somehow Monaco survived as the midfielder could not turn the ball home.
The visitors broke the deadlock right on the stroke of half time as Radamel Falcao nodded home Layvin Kurzawa's cross to put his side in front.
Both sides looked for the game's crucial second goal after the restart, with Alejandro Bedoya forcing a couple of saves from Subasic.
Yacine Bammou came close to grabbing an equaliser for the hosts with 10 minutes remaining, but his effort from the middle of the area fizzed just wide.
Nantes kept pushing for the goal that would restore parity, and came within inches of finding it in the 85th minute as Kian Hansen struck the bar from close range.
However, despite heavy pressure in the dying stages they were unable to get a goal back, as Monaco held out for their first points of the new campaign at the third time of asking.
Barney Corkhill
