Monaco moved top of Ligue 1 as a first hat-trick in four years from Radamel Falcao fired them to a 4-0 victory over Bordeaux on Saturday.
Leonardo Jardim s side seized the advantage with two goals inside five minutes as Djibril Sidibe slotted home from close range, before goalkeeper Jerome Prior inadvertently parried Valere Germain s cross off Falcao and into the net.
The Colombia international made certain of the victory for his side shortly after half-time as he collected Germain s cut-back before coolly rounding Prior and turning home, while a penalty completed his first treble at club level since December 9, 2012.
Adam Ounas was sent off for a challenge from behind on Sidibe to compound Bordeaux s misery as Monaco celebrated moving top of the table on goal difference, though Nice will overtake them should they avoid defeat against champions Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.
53 Monaco have scored 53 goals after 17 Ligue 1 matchdays, the second highest tally ever behind RC Paris in 1959/60 (55). Festival.
— OptaJean (@OptaJean)
Falcao, who took his tally to 14 goals in 16 games in all competitions, had a message for his doubters.
You should never underestimate the heart of a fighter, the 30-year-old, who scored only five league goals in two seasons in the Premier League for Manchester United and Chelsea, told Canal Plus.
I m very happy for the team especially. Little by little the whole team has improved. I m very happy with all of us.
My team-mates and my coach give me the confidence to play freely. We just have to continue with the same ambition and the same fight and take things game by game.