Manchester City snatched a thrilling victory against Monaco in an encounter where it was raining goals in the 1st leg contest of UCL 2016/17 Round of 16.
Sergio Aguero (Manchester City) and Radamel Falcao (AS Monaco) scored twice each while Raheem Sterling, John Stones and Leroy Sane netted once each for City and Kylian Mbappe was the other goal scorer for Monaco. Meanwhile, Falcao also missed a penalty at the Etihad showdown.
It was a very exciting game where both teams produced an open attacking football.
It was a thrilling first half at the Etihad Stadium. Monaco started with a positive attacking game while City’s counter-attacks were threatening constantly.
City opened the account on 26 minutes. Sane’s low cross inside the box found Sterling to finish the ball, who was actually in an offside position but that was overlooked.
The visitors equalised the scoreline on 32 minutes through Falcao’s superb header. It was a big error from City’s goalie Willy Caballero whose clearance landed to Monaco player’s feet, after which Fabinho produced a cross for Falcao to score an impressive goal.
Two minutes later, City strongly appealed for a penalty as they felt Aguero went down during a challenge against Caballero in the box but the referee realised that was a dive by the Argentine which was discarded the penalty appeal and also resulted in a yellow card for Aguero at next.
Five minutes before the end of the first half, Monaco made the score-line read 2-1 through Mbappe’s goal. Fabinho’s superb free-kick set up for French striker to fire up in the net.
The tug of war continued in the second-half.
Just 5 minutes of the second half, the visitors were awarded a penalty after Otamendi fouled Falcao into the box while the Colombian faced Mendy’s excellent cross. As a result, Otamendi was booked and the visitors were awarded a penalty which they missed to take that opportunity after Falcao’s low spot-kick saved by the goalie.
On 58 minutes, Aguero finished his goalless streak since this January 6 as the hosts made a level (2-2) on the scoreboard. Aguero fired up on Sterling’s excellent placement which was failed to block by the visitors’ goalie.
Just 3 minutes later, Falcao put the visitors ahead by 2-3. After beating Stones, the Colombian chipped over Caballero’s head to score his second in the match.
From 71 to 82 minutes, the English club scored back-to-back 3 goals to clinch an important home victory in this round.
First (71’), Aguero once again put back the hosts and this time with a great volley from David Silva’s corner kick.
City got their next goal (77’) from another corner and this time Jones was the scorer. Jones had the final touch after Toure produced a headed pass from De Bruyne’s corner to regain their lead.
Five minutes later, Aguero received David Silva’s top class pass after which the Argentine set for Sane to secure a clear finish for a 5-3 scoreline in hosts favour. It was the first time in the match where a team was able to take a 2-goal lead.
There was a great chance for the French visitors’ to reduce their deficit on the scoreline at 84 minutes when Falcao made an on target but the hosts’ goalie was able to save with his feet.
It was a top-class encounter which finally came to favour for the hosts. However, Falcao missing the penalty can cost for Monaco to progress in the next round. The return leg will be held on 15th march at French side’s home ground (Stade Louis II, Monaco)