James Rodriguez steered Monaco back to within five points of Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain after netting both goals in a 2-0 win on Saturday away to Bastia.
The Colombian struck a goal in each half as Monaco won for the first time in three league matches to maintain the status quo at the top of the French table.
Defeat for Bastia, just a second home loss of the season for the Corsican side, has them remaining in eighth.
"We knew this match against Bastia would be difficult and I'm very happy with how it went," reflected Monaco coach Claudio Ranieri.
"We went somewhere it is difficult to go and win and we delivered.
"The key to the match was the goal just before halftime. From there, we were able to control things despite the pressure Bastia put us under."
Ranieri acknowledged James' standout performance but also praised his side's collective display.
James, Joao Moutinho and Emmanuel Riviere were recalled to the starting line-up after being on the bench for Wednesday's French Cup victory at Nice.
However, the Monegasques were without Dimitar Berbatov after the Bulgarian picked up a knee injury in that win.
An uneventful opening period sparked into life on 45 minutes, though, after James was upended by defender Sebastien Squillaci just outside the penalty area.
The former Porto winger dusted himself off before drilling the resulting free-kick across Leca and into the far corner to put Monaco in front.
James continued to threaten after the break, crossing for Valere Germain only for the striker to prod wide at the near post.
However, those two combined again to much greater effect 13 minutes from time as Monaco put the contest to bed.
Elsewhere, Zambian defender Stoppila Sunzu scored a late winner for Sochaux as they beat Guingamp 1-0 to claw to within five points of safety.
Reims climbed to sixth after a 1-0 win at home to Bordeaux, while Toulouse came from behind to beat 10-man Lorient 3-1 in Brittany.
Souleymane Camara snatched a late equaliser for Montpellier in a 2-2 draw at Rennes, while Nice against Nantes ended in a goalless stalemate.
Third-placed Lille travel to face Evian on Sunday before fourth and fifth face off at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard as Saint-Etienne meet Marseille.
