MONACO (BN24) — Eric Dier converted a 90th-minute penalty to hand Monaco a 2-2 draw with defending European champions Manchester City in a gripping UEFA Champions League group-stage match on Wednesday at Stade Louis II.
Erling Haaland struck twice in the first half to put City in command. Still, a moment of late drama denied Pep Guardiola’s side a second straight win in Group A. Dier was brought down in the area by a high boot from Nico Gonzalez during a set piece. After a prolonged VAR review, Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano awarded the penalty. The England international stepped up to send Gianluigi Donnarumma the wrong way, salvaging a vital point for the home side.
Haaland’s brace took his Champions League tally to 52 goals in just 50 appearances, underscoring his status as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards. The Norwegian had opened the scoring after 15 minutes, latching onto a lofted ball from Josko Gvardiol and lobbing Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Koehn with a composed finish.
Monaco, struggling to retain possession against City’s midfield dominance, equalized with their first meaningful attack three minutes later. Dutch defender Jordan Teze received a cutback from Krepin Diatta and rifled a right-footed effort from the edge of the area into the top corner past Donnarumma.
Haaland struck again just before halftime, heading in a pinpoint cross from Nico O’Reilly to restore City’s lead. It was the striker’s 11th goal of the season in all competitions and came on the heels of a weekend Premier League brace in City’s 5-1 win over Burnley.
Monaco, under pressure for large spells and missing summer signing Paul Pogba, who watched from the stands as he builds fitness following injury, fielded a young midfield and struggled to keep City at bay for long periods. But the principality side held firm in the second half and capitalized on a rare late opening.
The match marked the first meeting between the two clubs since their memorable 2017 Round of 16 clash, when Monaco progressed on away goals after a 6-6 aggregate thriller. That tie featured a breakout performance from a teenage Kylian Mbappé and Bernardo Silva, now wearing the captain’s armband for City.
City looked destined for victory until the late penalty swung momentum. While Guardiola’s men move to four points after two group games following their opening win over Napoli, Monaco earn their first point in this season’s competition.
“It’s always frustrating to concede that late, especially when you feel in control,” Guardiola said post-match. “But this is the Champions League, you have to be switched on for the full 90 minutes.”
The result leaves Group A finely balanced as Monaco breathe new life into their campaign and City are reminded that even with Haaland firing, nothing comes easy in Europe’s elite competition.
