AS Monaco held Manchester City to a thrilling 2-2 draw in the UEFA Champions League after a dramatic late equalizer from the French side. Despite Erling Haaland’s brace, Pep Guardiola’s men were left frustrated as a VAR intervention in the 89th minute awarded Monaco a penalty that Eric Dier coolly converted.
First Half: Haaland Strikes Early, Monaco Responds Quickly
The game got off to a blistering start at the Stade Louis II. Manchester City opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Josko Gvardiol’s perfectly weighted cross found Erling Haaland, who powered home a clinical header to give City the lead.
However, Monaco hit back almost instantly. Just three minutes later, Dutch defender Jordan Teze unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box to level the game, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Second Half: Haaland at the Double
City regained control as the second half progressed. Promising youngster Nico O’Reilly delivered a sublime cross into the box, and Haaland once again showed his predatory instincts, slotting past the goalkeeper to restore City’s lead.
With a 2-1 advantage, City looked set to take all three points, controlling possession and dictating the tempo.
Late VAR Drama: Dier Denies City
Just as the English champions appeared to have secured the win, the match took a dramatic turn in the final minutes. A high boot from Nico Gonzalez inside the penalty area was spotted after a VAR review, leading to a late penalty for Monaco.
Former Tottenham defender Eric Dier stepped up with confidence, sending Gianluigi Donnarumma the wrong way to make it 2-2 in the 89th minute.
Key Moments
- ⚽ 15’ – Haaland scores from Gvardiol’s cross (0-1)
- ⚽ 18’ – Jordan Teze equalizes with a stunning strike (1-1)
- ⚽ 65’ – Haaland nets his second from O’Reilly’s cross (1-2)
- ⚽ 89’ – Eric Dier converts VAR-awarded penalty (2-2)
Reaction
Manchester City will feel disappointed not to have closed out the game after Haaland’s double, but AS Monaco showed resilience and capitalized on their late opportunity.
Guardiola’s side remain unbeaten in the group stage but dropped crucial points, while Monaco celebrated a well-earned draw in front of their home fans.
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