James Rodriguez stars in Monaco win

James Rodriguez bagged a brace to help AS Monaco secure a 3-1 victory over Nantes at Stade Louis II in Ligue 1 tonight.

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Rodriguez fired the Principality club ahead after 18 minutes, collecting a pass from Dimitar Berbatov before shooting beyond goalkeeper Maxime Dupe from outside the box.

The 22-year-old turned provider to help Claudio Ranieri's side double their advantage, crossing for Andrea Raggi to head home on 71 minutes.

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Things went from bad to worse for Les Canaris shortly after when Fabinho earned a penalty after being fouled by Dupe, before Rodriguez stepped up and kept his cool from 12 yards.

Michel Der Zakarian's men responded positively to the three-goal deficit and reduced the arrears moments later courtesy of a Alejandro Bedoya header, but it proved a mere consolation as Monaco held on for the win.