Goals Incoming: Monaco Host City in a Thrilling Rematch

Stade Louis II gets another blockbuster night. Eight years after Monaco stunned Manchester City with a famous 3-1 win, the clubs meet again, bringing different rhythms and plenty of intrigue. Both sides arrive with strengths, flaws, and the promise of goals.

Flashback to 2017

That 3-1 in 2017 still lingers in Monaco’s history books. Mbappé struck early, Fabinho doubled the lead, Sane pulled one back, and then Bakayoko sealed it with a header. The message was clear: Monaco can hurt even the giants when they play on the front foot.

Monaco’s Mixed Form

This season, Monaco look like two different teams. Across their last six games in all competitions, they’ve split three wins and three defeats, scoring two goals per game but conceding slightly more. At home, though, it’s a different story: three wins from three, averaging almost four goals. The Stade Louis II has turned into a scoring stage.

But their Champions League story is tougher. They’ve lost more than half of their last 38 games in the competition and are winless in six of their last seven. At home in Europe, defeats have come often, though in their last eight they’ve managed four wins. The pattern: unpredictable but always dangerous.

City’s Strength with Some Cracks

Manchester City’s recent numbers show why they’re feared. Four wins in their last six, solid defensive record at just 0.67 goals conceded on average, and plenty of shots created. Away from home, they’ve been very hard to break down — clean sheets in more than half of their last 12, losing just two of their last 27 away matches in all competitions.

Their Champions League form is usually elite, but lately a little uneven. Across the last 30, they’re undefeated in 83%. Still, the latest slice shows volatility: five defeats in the last ten, some by heavy margins. City can dominate possession but still get caught.

Key Battles

This match could be decided in midfield. Monaco, missing Denis Zakaria and Aleksandr Golovin, will lean on Minamino and Akliouche to link play, with Biereth and Balogun bringing energy and power up front.

City will aim to smother the game with Rodri’s control, Dias and Gvardiol’s passing from the back, and 1v1 threats from Foden and Doku. And, of course, Erling Haaland remains the sharpest weapon on the pitch.

Prediction

Both sides have firepower. Monaco’s home form and ability to rise in big games can’t be ignored, while City’s control and defensive strength make them favorites on paper. The balance leans toward goals — and maybe another shock in the Principality.

Prediction: Monaco 2-1 Manchester City.