Mbappe fires Monaco clear at top

PARIS: Kylian Mbappe delivered another crucial goal for Monaco as the Ligue 1 leaders fought back to defeat Toulouse 3-1 on Saturday and move three points clear at the top.

Ola Toivonen struck immediately after half time as Toulouse threatened to derail Monaco’s title hopes at the Stade Louis II, but Kamil Glik equalised for the home side on 49 minutes.

Mbappe then struck his 14th league goal of a remarkable breakthrough season to fire Monaco ahead just past the hour before Thomas Lemar sealed an eighth victory in a row.

“We’ve just beaten the club points record in Ligue 1, that’s significant,” said Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim, as his team climbed up to 83 points, surpassing the previous mark of 80 from 2013-14.

“In the future perhaps we’ll talk about the 2016-17 team, but for me the most important thing is the next match.

“We’ve done some great things already, but we’re going to keep on working to go further.”

The principality outfit will now turn their attention to Europe as Monaco prepare to welcome Juventus in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.

“This match (against Toulouse) was very important. It was no less important than the match against Juve. I wouldn’t exchange this victory for a win against Juve,” added Jardim. AFP