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The match at the Etihad last night served up an eight goal thriller, with some attacking worthy of the Champions League, but also some defending, that at times, was worthy of non-league, as Manchester City came out 5-3 winners.
It was an end to end tie, keeping fans on the edge of their seats, in a game that saw both teams hold the lead. It was City who struck first, when Raheem Sterling came off his wing to finish off a neat passing move from the hosts. Radamel Falcao, who had two unsuccessful loan spells in England, proved to British fans what he is capable of, when he headed home an inch perfect cross, to even to the scores, after City's insistence on playing out from the back invited pressure. Monaco took the lead before the break, as Kylian Mbappe beat Willy Caballero with a powerful drive.Â
The second half started with the same high tempo, as Monaco were awarded a penalty, which would have seen them open up a two goal lead. Falcao stepped up, but Caballero got down low to his left to deny the Colombian. City were soon level, as what looked to be a tame Sergio Aguero shot was not dealt with by Monaco 'keeper Subasic, as he let it slip by and bring the tie to 2-2.Â
Falcao bounced back from his penalty miss, as another high tempo Monaco attack, met by some more unorganised Man City defending, saw the striker execute an exquisite chip over Caballero, 3-2 now to Monaco. Aguero was again the man to level the scores. as he hit a fantastic volley from inside the box, despite being surrounded by several defenders. The hosts finally retook the lead with thirteen minutes left, as John Stones made up for a less then convincing defensive performance, when he slid in at the back post to convert further City attacking pressure. The scoring was completed by Man Of The Match Leroy Sane, when he finished off an Aguero pass, giving Manchester City a 5-3 first leg lead. Â
This was a great game to watch, and has set the second leg up perfectly. The attacking quality of both teams was evident, as was their defensive frailties. Despite having a two goal lead, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said that City must score in the second leg, and if they don't, they will be eliminated.Â
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Written by Matt Button
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