Haaland Hits Two, But City Stumble in Monaco
Manchester City walked away from Monaco frustrated. Two goals from Erling Haaland looked like enough to secure victory, but a late mistake from Nico González handed the hosts a lifeline and left Pep Guardiola’s side settling for a 2–2 draw.
Haaland does what Haaland does
The night started with City in control. Monaco, hit by injuries and lacking rhythm, tried to stay compact but couldn’t hold back City’s quality for long.
Josko Gvardiol clipped a perfect ball over the defence and Haaland, with his very first touch, stretched to lift it over Philipp Köhn. A classic striker’s goal – simple, sharp, deadly.
It should have been the start of a comfortable evening, but City switched off. Jordan Teze was given far too much room outside the box and punished them with a thunderbolt into the top corner. The home fans roared, and suddenly the game was level again.
City push, Foden sparks life
City kept the ball but lacked urgency. Monaco’s pace on the counter, especially through Folarin Balogun, was a constant warning sign. Phil Foden tried to take responsibility, driving at defenders and even rattling the crossbar with a fierce strike.
When Monaco lost Vanderson to injury, City began to turn the screw. Bernardo Silva’s clever header went begging, Tijjani Reijnders forced a save, and Foden kept searching for that killer pass.
Finally, Haaland stepped up again. Rising highest to meet a Nico O’Reilly cross, the Norwegian smashed a header into the corner. Two goals from just a handful of touches – vintage Haaland.
A late sting in the tale
With 52 Champions League goals in 50 games, Haaland looked to have done enough to secure the points. City dominated possession, created chances, and kept Monaco on the back foot.
But football is cruel when you don’t finish the job. As the clock ticked down, substitute Nico González went high with his boot and caught Eric Dier. After a VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot. Dier took responsibility and calmly sent the keeper the wrong way. 2–2.
Frustration for Guardiola
City had the game under control and should have left with a win. Instead, they let Monaco off the hook. Haaland’s brilliance was undeniable, but defensive lapses and careless mistakes cost them two valuable points.
There is still time to make amends in the group, but Guardiola will know his side must be more ruthless. For now, Monaco escape with a draw, and City fly home wondering how they let it slip away.
