St Etienne keeps Champions League hopes alive by thrashing Monaco 3-2

St Etienne came from behind to beat Monaco 3-2 in Ligue 1 at the Stade Louis II on Sunday, keeping alive their slim hopes of Champions League qualification. Monaco took the lead inside 20 minutes when forward Gelson Martins brought down a long pass from Jemerson with a superb first touch before firing the ball past Etienne goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier.

Despite dominating possession, Etienne struggled to create chances but eventually found a way back into the contest when Monaco full back Fode Ballo-Toure's mishit clearance found his own goal. Winger Remy Cabella struck from close range to give the visitors a 2-1 lead before assisting Arnaud Nordin's 80th minute header to put the result beyond doubt.

Substitute Carlos Vinicius pulled one back for Monaco but could not prevent their ninth home defeat of the league season. Monaco, who are without a league win since March, are now just three points clear of the relegation zone, while St Etienne provisionally move to third spot ahead of Olympique Lyonnais on goal difference.

The top three in Ligue 1 qualify for the Champions League, with the third-placed team starting in the third qualifying round of Europe's elite competition.

(With inputs from agencies.)