Manchester City took on AS Monaco in Champions League on Tuesday night at Etihad Stadium. It was billed as must win game for City and even Guardiola agreed they can not afford to lose a game like this. They started stronger scoring the opening goal in 26th minute but Monaco came back into the game thanks to Falcao’s header in 32nd minute. Monaco looked a real threat going forward while City’s makeshift back four struggled and Mbappe popped up with Monaco’s second of the night.
Match Highlights
Manchester City 1-2 AS Monaco Highlights
[ UEFA Champions League 2017 Match ]
26′ 1 – 0 Raheem Sterling scored a tap in after superb play by Leroy Sane on the left flank he beat couple of defenders before playing one-two with Silva and squared a nice looking ball for Sterling to tapped home from close range. Although there was a hint of offside.
32′ 1 – 1 Radamel Falcao equalized in 32nd minute to bring Monaco back in the game and from than on, City looked shaky at the back and struggled to cope with pace Monaco had to offer going forward.
40′ 1 – 2 Kylian Mbappe Lottin continue to impress as he scored Monaco’s second of the night and his 12 this season making him one of the hottest prospects in European football.
50′ 1 – 2 (Penalty miss) Radamel Falcao
58′ 2 – 2 Sergio Aguero scored with bit of luck as his low shot found its way into the net after keeper fumbled it.
61′ 2 – 3 Radamel Falcao made it 3-2 with a stunning chip after turning Stones inside out.
71′ 3 – 3 Sergio Aguero equalized for City with a superb first time finish.
When Manchester City announced Pep Guardiola as their manager, it was evident City hierarchy are looking to go one step ahead in European competition and finally win the big trophy having become consistent representatives from England. AS Monaco has had a similar rise and this year they are really making progress leading the French Ligua 1 for most of the season. Now since the second leg is being played in France, City must get a positive result at Etihad Stadium to give themselves a good chance of qualification.
Team News & Lineups: With season ending injury to Gabriel Jesus, Sergio Aguero is set to start upfront and what will be crucial couple of games for the Argentinian to prove his worth. Leroy Sane and Rahim Sterling to start on the wings while Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Fernandinho to play in central midfield roles.
Monaco on the other hand might go with Falcao upfront while Germain to partner him in attack. Lemar, Bernardo Silva, Fabinho and Moutinho to play in four man midfield. This is how I expect both teams to lineup on Tuesday night.
Match Predictions: Monaco are one of the most inform teams in Europe and scoring goals for fun at the moment. They lead French league by 3 points having scored 76 goals in just 24 matches. They have goals all over the pitch and that will be the concern for Guardiola’s who has struggled to organize his shaky defense for most of the season. Though going forward City can also match anyone and that setup one of the most competitive premier league fixture in round of 16. I am going with a narrow 2-1 win for City in first leg.
