Advertisement

Mario Balotelli has now scored 4 goals in 2 games after netting a brace against Monaco

Nice are now sitting pretty at the top of Ligue 1.

MARIO BALOTELLI CONTINUED his impressive start to life in France’s Ligue 1 as his double in a 4-0 rout of rivals Monaco sent Nice to the top of the table.

The controversial Italian international left Liverpool for Nice on a free transfer in the last transfer window and made it four goals in two league appearances with his brace in tonight’s derby at the Allianz Riviera.

Paul Baysse had already headed Nice into a 17th-minute lead by the time Balotelli raced into the area and drilled a shot into the far corner. The former AC Milan striker then doubled his tally for the evening and the season in the 68th minute when he swept home first time inside the penalty area.

Balotelli missed out on the chance to make it a hat-trick as he had already been replaced when Nice were awarded a penalty for Tiemoue Bakayoko’s challenge on Valentin Eysseric that earned the Monaco defender a red card.

Alassane Plea, Balotelli’s replacement, saw his spot-kick saved by Danijel Subasic, but made amends moments later by nodding home Wylan Cyprien’s cross to complete a comprehensive victory for Lucien Favre’s men.

Monaco’s unbeaten league run consequently came to an abrupt halt, while Nice hold a one-point lead at the summit over champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Manchester derby the pick of the ties in the last 16 of the EFL Cup

Second-half goals from Rashford and Herrera spare United’s blushes at Northampton

Author
The 42
View 20 comments
Close
20 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.