Manchester City’s clash with Monaco ended in frustration as Eric Dier struck a stoppage-time penalty to secure a point for the hosts.
Erling Haaland once again underlined his scoring instincts with a double in the first half, taking his overall record in the competition to 52 goals in 50 appearances. Despite his limited involvement early on, he proved decisive with two finishes of the highest quality.
The Norwegian forward first raced onto a lofted ball from Josko Gvardiol and calmly lifted it beyond goalkeeper Philipp Kohn. Minutes later, however, Jordan Teze produced a thunderous shot from distance to restore parity for the home side.
Just before the interval, Haaland rose above the defence to nod home a cross from Nico O’Reilly, restoring City’s advantage. He nearly completed a treble after the restart, but Kohn stretched to keep out his fierce drive from range.
City rue missed opportunities
Pep Guardiola’s team had chances to secure all three points but left Louis II with another disappointing away result.
Phil Foden came closest when his strike rattled the crossbar after cutting inside onto his weaker foot. Tijjani Reijnders also struck the woodwork, while both O’Reilly and Haaland were denied by Kohn’s sharp goalkeeping.
City have now drawn two of their past six outings, both due to conceding in the closing minutes. They also extended a sequence of five consecutive Champions League away matches without victory.
Guardiola’s men remain unbeaten since August, yet the late goals conceded against Arsenal and Monaco have taken the shine off what might have been a stronger run.
Monaco hold firm at home
Adi Hütter’s side spent long spells under pressure but made the most of their resilience to extend a strong record against English opposition.
Teze’s spectacular strike in the opening period set the tone, and although chances for Folarin Balogun and Ansu Fati went begging, the hosts refused to fade. Balogun stretched at the far post but could not convert, while Fati endured a quiet evening before being withdrawn.
The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time when Dier was caught by Nico Gonzalez inside the area. After a lengthy VAR review and heated exchanges on the sidelines, the defender calmly converted from the spot, sending Gianluigi Donnarumma the wrong way.
The equaliser means Monaco have been defeated only once in eight home fixtures against English clubs in Europe’s top competition, with memories of their dramatic 2017 tie with City still lingering.
