PSG 0-2 Monaco: 5 talking points as champions falter on home soil | Ligue 1 2020-21 

#3 Compact Monaco keep PSG at bay

Niko Kovac masterminded a classic victory over PSG

Considering that PSG scored four goals away to Barcelona just five days ago, Monaco had their work cut out if they were to leave the capital with anything.

Despite the daunting size of the task before them, the visitors held firm and put in one of their most comprehensive performances of the season.

Niko Kovac set his side up to limit the effectiveness of the PSG midfield, with major emphasis placed on maintaining their shape at all points. Aurelien Tchouameni and the ubiquitous Youssouf Fofana also won the midfield battle against Ander Herrera and Idrissa Gueye.

This concordantly meant that Kylian Mbappe and Mauro Icardi were starved of service, with the PSG number nine having just 15 touches - the least of all 22 players that started the game.

Boys deserve a few days off 😁𝘽𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙤 #team 👏 #PSGASM pic.twitter.com/9HUQEyECmx

— AS Monaco EN (@AS_Monaco_EN) February 21, 2021

In total, the hosts had just one shot on target, which is rather surprising, considering the abundance of attacking talent they had in their ranks.

For a side that struggles defensively like Monaco, it was no small feat keeping PSG quiet on their own turf. This further highlights how impressive the visitors were on the night.

#2 Impressive Maripan shows his abilities at both ends

Guillermo Maripan was influential at both ends

Guillermo Maripan scored the all-important goal that gave Monaco a two-goal cushion. Prior to that, the 26-year-old had been a rock at the back, thwarting the few attacks that PSG managed to launch.

The Chile international made six clearances on the night and won three tackles, with his defensive solidity helping Monaco keep a rare clean sheet.

📸 Le but du break 🔥0⃣-2⃣ #PSGASM pic.twitter.com/R4rAWqSlFG

— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) February 21, 2021

He also came to the fore at the other end, where his world-class finish highlighted his confidence in his abilities.

Incredibly, this was Maripan's 5th league goal of the season from just 13 starts. Niko Kovac will be hoping his defensive stalwart continues to churn out performances like this.

#1 No heroics for Kylian Mbappe against former side

Kylian Mbappe was quiet against his former side

Kylian Mbappe burst into world consciousness with Monaco and has since gone on to recreate history with the French national team and PSG.

His latest jaw-dropping performance came at Camp Nou, where he was the mastermind behind Barcelona's 4-1 whitewash with a stunning hat-trick. It was on the back of this performance that the 22-year-old faced his former side.

Monaco would have been wary of the threat posed by Mbappe. However, a resolute performance ensured that the World Cup winner did not have too much of an impact.

Mbappe failed to register a single shot in the game, while he was forced to drop back into midfield to try and influence proceedings.

It was generally a frustrating night for the PSG number 7. His exasperation got the better of him in injury time when he was booked for a cynical challenge on Axel Disasi.