Monaco Stuns Man City with Last-Gasp Equalizer to Steal Point in Thrilling 2-2 Battle
Despite Erling Haaland's double strike, Manchester City couldn't secure all three points against Monaco as a stoppage-time penalty ensured Pep Guardiola's team had to share the spoils.
Following their 2–0 triumph over Napoli that kicked off their 2025–26 Champions League journey two weeks prior, Man City traveled to France seeking another victory, this time facing Monaco. The teams met at the Stade Louis II for the first time since a young Kylian Mbappé spearheaded the French club.
The Cityzens found themselves stifled early on Wednesday night, as Monaco employed a compact defensive structure that Guardiola's squad patiently attempted to penetrate during the match's initial 10 minutes. However, Haaland required only one opportunity to make his mark.
Joško Gvardiol delivered an exquisite pass over the defense to locate the striker, who executed a spectacular acrobatic finish with a single touch to fire a half-volley into the net. The 15th-minute strike continued Haaland's remarkable run of finding the scoresheet in eight straight appearances for both club and country.
Merely three minutes following Man City's opener, Monaco drew level through Jordan Teze's magnificent curling effort. Gianluigi Donnarumma was powerless to prevent the shot that curved perfectly into the top corner.
With the score tied at 1–1, the Cityzens turned to Haaland once more to regain their advantage. The Norwegian striker nodded home a delivery from Nico O'Reilly just before the interval to give his team a slender lead heading into the break.
The second period failed to match the first half's goal-scoring excitement, despite numerous opportunities. Both Man City and Monaco threatened to alter the match's trajectory, but Donnarumma and Philipp Köhn produced crucial saves to maintain the 2–1 scoreline until late controversy erupted at the Stade Louis II.
While attempting to clear the ball, Nico González's high boot caught Eric Dier in the face within the penalty area. Heated exchanges between both teams followed, prompting referee Jesús Gil Manzano to show two red cards to each bench before consulting the video monitor to assess the incident.
The Spanish referee subsequently returned and awarded a penalty. Dier converted confidently from the spot in the 90th minute to level the score and prevent Man City from claiming maximum points.
Check out Man City's player ratings from the match below.
Man City Player Ratings vs. Monaco (4-1-4-1)
*Ratings provided by FotMob*
Player | Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Gianluigi Donnarumma | 6.2 |
RB: John Stones | 6.8 |
CB: Rúben Dias | 7.4 |
CB: Joško Gvardiol | 8.1 |
LB: Nico O'Reilly | 8.3 |
DM: Rodri | 6.6 |
RM: Bernardo Silva | 7.0 |
CM: Tijjani Reijnders | 7.8 |
CM: Phil Foden | 7.5 |
LM: Jérémy Doku | 6.9 |
ST: Erling Haaland | 8.8 |
SUB: Nico González (61' for Rodri) | 6.2 |
SUB: Savinho (61' for Doku) | 6.7 |
SUB: Matheus Nunes (73' for Stones) | 6.7 |
Subs not used: James Trafford (GK), Marcus Bettinelli (GK), Nathan Aké, Rico Lewis, Divine Mukasa, Mateo Kovačić, Oscar Bobb.
Player of the Match: Erling Haaland
Monaco (3-4-2-1): Philipp Köhn; Thilo Kehrer, Eric Dier, Mohammed Salisu; Vanderson, Mamadou Coulibaly, Jordan Teze, Krépin Diatta; Maghnes Akliouche, Ansu Fati; Folarin Balogun.
Subs: Kassoum Ouattara, Stanis Idumbo, George Ilenikhena, Pape Cabral.