Manchester City were held to a draw by French side Monaco in game week two of the UEFA Champions League. Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 15th minute, before Jordan Teze brought Monaco level. Haaland restored City’s lead just before half-time with his second goal of the night.
City looked the better side in the second half and seemed on course to take all three points. However, a late resurgence from Monaco saw them push forward in search of an equalizer. In the dying moments, Monaco were awarded a penalty after Nico Gonzalez’s boot caught the head of Eric Dier. The English centre-back stepped up and calmly sent Gianluigi Donnarumma the wrong way.
Pep Guardiola spoke to TNT Sports after the match, insisting his side deserved the win and raising questions about the officiating in the final moments.
“A really good game. We made some decisions, we created a lot of chances. Unfortunately at the end we defended an unfair free-kick not perfectly, and we conceded a penalty that Nico touched the ball first, no intention. But it is what it is.”
Club captain Bernardo Silva described it as a solid display overall, but one that left the team frustrated.
“Overall I think it was not a bad performance. Of course we need to be better at some things. And in a moment where I felt the team was quite well, controlling the result, and the game, it’s when we conceded the second. It’s a bit frustrating to get out of here with just one point.”
Manchester City’s unbeaten run now extends to six games. Pep Guardiola’s men next travel to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford.