Resilient Nantes frustrate Monaco | OneFootball

A superb Jean-Charles Castelletto header gifted Nantes a valuable 1-1 draw against Monaco, the Cameroonian cancelling out Gelson Martins' opener as the 2021-22 Ligue 1 Uber Eats season got underway at the Stade Louis II on Friday evening.

THE MATCH

Niko Kovac's Monaco started with a real intent as they looked to make a winning start to the season in front of their fans - back in the stands thanks to the relaxation of COVID restrictions - and Nantes were under the cosh from the outset as they looked to clinch a first win in the principality in 2012.

Monaco's new Dutch striker Myron Boadu made his league debut in place of Wissam Ben Yedder, but despite looking sharp, missed a golden opportunity to open his account as he struck high and wide from close range after rounding Alban Lafont (8').

A deserved lead

But the principality side did not have to wait long to break the deadlock before Gelson Martins turned home Caio Henrique's cross at full stretch (14'). It was nothing more than Monaco deserved after a dominant opening.

You would be forgiven for thinking it was going to be a night of damage limitation for Les Canaris, whose only real attacking threat came from the rare counter attacks of Nigerian International Moses Simon and Randal Kolo Muani, who had recently returned from the Olympics with France.

Out of the blue

Nantes weathered the storm and, stayed firm in the face of Monaco pressure and remarkably, got themselves on level terms just before the break.

Completely against the run of play, Castelletto took advantage of non-existent Monaco defending to head his side level from a corner (42'). It was the Cameroon International's first goal for Nantes since arriving from Brest in 2020.

Monaco debutant Jean Lucas went close for Monaco with a 20-yard free kick (48') and Martins' mazy run and shot was blocked by the goal scorer Castelletto (68') as Monaco pushed for a winner.

Kovac introduced Ben Yedder and Aleksandr Golovin to try to break down a stubborn Nantes defence, but the Croatian tactician was unable to get the desired effect as his team started to look tired and weary.

Aurélien Tchouaméni went close for Monaco in the dying minutes, but Nantes held on for an excellent away point on the opening night.

THE PLAYER: Jean-Charles Castelletto

It was a fine performance from the Cameroonian who got Nantes on level terms with a superb header to claim his side a important away point. The point could prove crucial at the end of the season for Nantes who had four coaches last time around and have been battling the drop more often than not of late. Castelletto made a number of important interceptions and epitomised the spirit Nantes showed to leave the principality with a hard-fought point.

THE STAT: 9

Nantes' draw at Stade Louis II means that they have broken the air nine-year drought in the principality. Les Canaris last point there was in 2012.