France handed Belgium yet another loss in the UEFA Nations League on Monday.

Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele struck with powerful shots either side of halftime for a 2-0 final score in Lyon.

The latest win helped France make up ground in the top-tier Nations League group after losing to Italy 3-1 in Paris on Friday. Italy beat Israel 2-1 on Monday and lead the four-team group.

Kylian Mbappe was rested from the start despite France seeking to avoid a third straight loss, two months after a European Championship semifinals exit against eventual title winner Spain.

Real Madrid’s new star was eased in against Belgium by coach Didier Deschamps, who sent on his captain in the 67th minute to replace Kolo Muani.

France extended their winning run over Belgium to four games in the Mbappe era. Starting in the 2018 World Cup semifinals, Les Bleus also eliminated Belgium in the 2021 Nations League semifinals and in the Euro 2024 round of 16.

Monday’s game was 43 years to the day since France lost a competition game against Belgium, in 1981 in Brussels in a World Cup qualifier.

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