Erling Haaland struck twice to take his Champions League tally to 52 goals, but Manchester City were denied victory in Monaco after Nico Gonzalez conceded a costly late penalty. Here’s how Pep Guardiola’s side rated at Stade Louis II.
Manchester City looked set for another statement night in Europe after Erling Haaland’s first-half brace put them in control against Monaco, but a dramatic late penalty spoiled the evening.
The Norwegian striker netted with his very first touch, then added a trademark header to give City a deserved lead heading into the break. Monaco responded with a thunderbolt from Jordan Teze before Nico González’s reckless high-footed challenge gifted Eric Dier the chance to level from the spot in stoppage time. The English defender made no mistake, sending Gianluigi Donnarumma the wrong way to earn his side a 2-2 draw.
For Guardiola’s men, it meant more frustration on the road — they have now gone a full year without an away win in Europe’s elite competition.
Here’s how Manchester City’s players rated on the night:
Goalkeeper & Defence
Gianluigi Donnarumma (7/10): Produced a brilliant early save to deny Maghnes Akliouche and commanded his area well, but was beaten by a thunderous strike and a penalty he could do little about.
John Stones (6/10): Used as an inverted right-back, giving control in possession but little width. Did his job without making a big impact.
Rúben Dias (6/10): Dealt with Folarin Balogun’s runs in behind, but was caught flat at times.
Joško Gvardiol (7/10): Outstanding pass to set up Haaland’s opener and comfortable in defence. Even showed flair in Monaco’s box late on.
Nico O’Reilly (8/10): Full of energy, covered ground all evening, and delivered the cross for Haaland’s header. One of City’s best performers.
Midfield
Rodri (7/10): Controlled the tempo and set the tone for City’s opener, though a knock forced him off early.
Tijjani Reijnders (6/10): Flashed with intent, rattling the bar and going close twice more, but lacked precision when it mattered.
Bernardo Silva (6/10): Deployed deeper against his former club, worked tirelessly but rarely influenced the game in attack. Booked for dissent after the penalty call.
Attack
Phil Foden (8/10): Brilliant once again. Always carried the ball with purpose and smacked the bar with a superb effort.
Erling Haaland (9/10): In devastating form. Two clinical finishes and nearly a third with a powerful drive. A reminder of why this is his favourite competition.
Jérémy Doku (6/10): Threatened early but faded after the interval and was subbed.
Substitutes & Manager
Nico González (5/10): His late, high-footed challenge undid all of City’s good work. Even if harsh, he handed Monaco a lifeline.
Savinho (6/10): Pace and directness unsettled Monaco briefly, but lacked the final pass.
Matheus Nunes (6/10): Provided width but little end product.
Pep Guardiola (5/10): City dominated for large periods, yet failed to finish the job. His substitutions disrupted balance and invited pressure late on.
