South Korea international striker Park Chu-young scored a memorable goal to help Monaco to a 2-1 win at Marseille on Sunday and a place in the top four of the French first division.
It was the 24-year-old’s second league goal of the season as Monaco went into fourth spot, five points behind leaders Lyon.
Park was put clear by a fine, long pass from Argentine midfielder Alejandro Alonso in the 42 minute.
Marseille defenders Gabriel Heinze and Souleymane Diawara allowed the Korean to break away from their attention to score past goalkeeper Steve Mandanda for a 2-0 advantage.
Monaco had taken the lead in the 19th minute through Brazilian midfielder Nene, but they had to survive a nervous closing period when Mamadou Niang grabbed his sixth goal of the season to cut the deficit.
Marseille, beaten 3-0 by Real Madrid in the Champions League in midweek and 3-2 by Valenciennes last weekend, are fifth in the table, a point behind Monaco.
“It was a good time to play Marseille,” admitted Monaco coach Guy Lacombe. “They were playing their third match in a week and we know it’s always tough playing after a European game.”
“This result gives me hope, but also expectations,” Lacombe said.
Marseille coach Didier Deschamps refused to panic.
“I’m convinced we can do better. It’s been a difficult week, but I am convinced in the potential of this team,” he said.
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