Champions League: Monaco Faces Disappointment in Pafos Match

Monaco faced pressure ahead of their fifth Champions League match in Pafos. After suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat to Rennes, the club experienced its first major setback under coach Sébastien Pocognoli. Key players Dier and Mawissa were unavailable due to injuries, but Pocognoli was able to line up the midfield duo of Zakaria and Camara, with Balogun, Golovin, Minamino, and Akliouche providing support. Notably, Paul Pogba was included in the squad for his first Champions League appearance this season.

Monaco aimed for victory after finally securing their first win just before against Bodo/Glimt. The message was clear during the pre-match talk, evident from the start. Early on, Akliouche made a run down the right, but Balogun missed the opportunity (3rd minute), followed by a shot from Minamino which forced a great save from the goalkeeper (4th minute). Monaco quickly reaped the rewards of their strong start. Akliouche, who was instrumental, assisted Minamino, who scored with a cross-shot to take the lead (0-1, 6th minute).

Monaco Struggles in the Second Half

The goal seemed to awaken Pafos, as Silva hit the crossbar with a powerful shot (8th minute). Monaco felt the pressure, and they conceded quickly after David Luiz scored with a header (1-1, 18th minute). This match mirrored Monaco’s inconsistent performances this season, capable of both brilliance and mistakes within moments. Fortunately, they benefited from a mistake by Pafos goalkeeper Michael, who miscleared the ball under pressure. Balogun capitalized and scored (1-2, 26th minute).

Monaco maintained better control of the game, looking to extend their lead before halftime (Minamino 39th minute), but failed to do so. This trend was evident after the break, though Balogun was denied by Michael (49th minute). Hradecky then made a crucial save to stop Silva from equalizing (54th minute). As the match progressed, Pafos gained momentum, and another misclearance by Michael nearly sealed Monaco’s fate (68th minute). The tension built as Pafos pressed on, and Monaco continued to retreat despite some promising moments with the ball.

Pocognoli’s substitutions failed to stabilize the worsening situation. Hradecky made a stunning save from Jaja’s shot, which seemed destined for the top corner (87th minute). However, he could not save everything. From a corner, Sunjic’s header struck the bar and bounced off Salisu, who accidentally scored an own goal (2-2, 88th minute). Biereth’s introduction could not inject the needed energy into the team, and despite two late efforts from Akliouche (90+1, 90+4 minutes), Monaco settled for a frustrating draw, landing in 22nd place. It could have been worse if the referee had noticed a handball by Zakaria (90+5 minutes) before the final whistle.

Results from the 18:45 Matches:

Copenhagen 3 – 2 Kairat Almaty: Dadason (26th), Larsson (pen 59th), Robert (73rd); Satpaev (81st), Baybek (90th)

Pafos 2 – 2 Monaco: David Luiz (18th), Salisu (own goal 88th); Minamino (5th), Balogun (26th)