Monaco failed to utilise their chances of going top of the French Ligue 1 on Friday, losing 2-1 at home to struggling Valenciennes.
Record signing Radamel Falcao missed a penalty on his return to Claudio Ranieri’s team, coming on as a half-time substitute only to see his spot-kick saved by Nicolas Penneteau.
The visitors had taken their lead courtesy of an Eric Abidal own goal before the break and David Ducoutioux’s strike.
It was Monaco’s first home loss of the season. They fell one goal short when former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal turned the ball into his own net after Danijel Subasic had parried a cross.
Valenciennes increased their lead to two when Ducoutioux beat Subasic from close range following a quick counter attack shortly after half-time.
Falcao, who joined the principality side for £50m from Atletico Madrid in May, returned to the side after three weeks on the sideline and was stunned when his penalty was saved by Penneteau before Rodriguez’s scored a consolation goal for Monaco.
Valenciennes are now the 17th team on the standing with 14 points while Lille, who are away to leaders Paris St. Germain on Sunday, could leapfrog their big-spending rivals to second place with a win.
