Ansu Fati revival underway with 2 goals off the bench in Monaco win

Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati made a stunning impact off the bench for Monaco as the principality side beat Metz 5-2 on Sunday.

It was much-needed response to Monaco's 4-1 loss at Club Brugge in the Champions League on Thursday.

They appeared to be suffering a hangover as Metz went in front early on at the Stade Louis II through Habib Diallo, but Danish international Mika Biereth soon equalised for Monaco.

Fati scored a consolation goal off the bench in Bruges in his first appearance for Monaco since signing in July on a season-long loan from Barcelona, where his promising career had stalled due to injuries.

On Sunday, Fati was introduced at the start of the second half in place of German youngster Paris Brunner and needed just 40 seconds to find the net in Ligue 1 for the first time from a Lamine Camara assist.

Gauthier Hein brought Metz level again from a penalty awarded for a foul off the ball by Takumi Minamino.

Fati headed in a Krepin Diatta cross to restore Monaco's lead in the 83rd minute.

That was a third goal in two games in four days for a player who had not scored since November 2023, when he was on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion.

A Koffi Kouao own goal and a stoppage-time George Ilenikhena strike wrapped up a fourth win in five league outings for Monaco, who trail leaders PSG only on goal difference having played a game more.