Riviere outshines Falcao with hat-trick in Monaco win

Emmanuel Riviere stole the limelight with the first hat-trick of his career as Monaco thrashed Montpellier 4-1 in their first Ligue 1 home game of the season on Sunday.

Riviere, who earned a place in the starting line-up because injuries had sidelined summer signings Joao Moutinho and James Roriguez, added three goals to Radamel Falcao's opener from the penalty spot.

Monaco are one of the four teams to maintain a perfect start along with Olympique Lyon, Olympique Marseille and St Etienne.

Falcao put Monaco ahead in the 18th minute following a Siaka Tiene foul on winger Lucas Ocampos in the box.

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Falcao's penalty for Monaco

But his fellow Colombian Victor Hugo Montano levelled for the visitors six minutes later with a powerful header.

Montano header for Montpellier v Monaco

At the sun-baked Stade Louis II, Monaco took a decisive advantage thanks to Riviere's goals both sides of the interval.

Riviere's goal for Monaco v Montpellier

He gave his side the lead in the 44th with a fine lob and made it 3-1 just before the hour by netting from a Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco corner kick.

Riviere's second goal for Monaco v Montpellier

The 23-year-old, who has never scored more than eight goals in a league season, headed his third of the day with eight minutes to go.

Riviere's hat-trick goal for Monaco v Montpellier

Champions Paris St Germain host Ajaccio in the day's late kick-off.

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