Dominant within the first half and having led for a very long time, the Rouge et Blanc have been held to a draw within the last moments by the Cypriot group Pafos FC (2-2), on the fifth matchday of the Champions League.
It was a irritating draw given the circumstances. Regardless of taking an early lead due to a really convincing first half, AS Monaco’s gamers have been pegged again within the dying minutes of their duel in opposition to Pafos (2-2), conceding a draw on the fifth matchday of the Champions League. Recap ✍️
The context 📅
After their first win of the marketing campaign, AS Monaco’s gamers regarded to attempt to verify their good kind within the Champions League. However the activity won’t be straightforward in opposition to Pafos FC, who’ve picked up 5 factors in 4 matches, (1-0) of their final match.
Pafos is an skilled group with the very best common age within the competitors, able to good ball management but in addition of taking part in a direct fashion of soccer. They’re robust on set items and in transition.
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Sébastien PocognoliOn Pafos’ fashion of play
The XI 👥
For this fifth Champions League matchday, opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation with the return of the Camara-Zakaria duo in midfield. On the again, Jordan Teze partnered Mohammed Salisu in central protection, whereas Brazilians Caio Henrique and Vanderson occupied the flanks. Up entrance, Folarin Balogun was supported by the trio of Akliouche, Golovin, and Minamino.
The situation 🎞
The match kicked off in summer-like temperatures on the Alphamega Stadium, the place no fewer than 150 Monaco supporters had made the journey. And the Rouge et Blanc wasted no time in making their mark with forcing Michael right into a wonderful save (2′). A number of minutes later, the French worldwide arrange within the space.
A rapid-fire begin to the match
The Japanese worldwide then subtly lower throughout purpose along with his proper foot to beat the Cypriot goalkeeper (1-0, 5′)! There was no time to rejoice, although because the Pafos gamers responded by way of Anderson, whose shot rattled the crossbar of (8′).The beginning of the match was very hotly contested and David Luiz introduced the 2 groups stage with a robust header from the penalty spot following a well-taken nook by Orsic (1-1, 18′).
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Urgent pays off for Balogun
Within the ensuing moments, Monaco elevated their depth, and following a robust collective press initiated by Aleksandr Golovin, Michael misplaced a go. Ever alert, recovered the ball on the fringe of the field and completed with a robust shot (1-2, 26′)! Sébastien Pocognoli’s gamers even pushied to increase their lead on the finish of the primary half, however (35′), Balo’ (36′) and Taki’ (39′) have been astray with their efforts whereas was denied by Michael (42′).
Decisive Goalkeepers
The 2 groups head to the locker rooms after a really full of life first half. And the second half began on the identical tempo! Completely arrange by Taki, the Monaco quantity 9 finds himself one-on-one with the Cypriot goalkeeper however loses the duel (49′). Then Lukas Hradecky responded with a powerful save following a shot from Anderson (54′). Juan Carlos Carcedo’s males then wrestle to create possibilities, till a splendid save from the Finnish goalkeeper (87′).
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Disappointment simply earlier than full time
Sadly, on the nook that adopted, aws the ball bounce off him and find yourself within the internet (2-2, 89′). The rating stays unchanged, leading to a draw on the finish of this fifth matchday within the Champions League (2-2). It was a irritating consequence given Monaco’s dominance, significantly within the first half. Now, all eyes are on the subsequent Champions League fixture, with on Tuesday December 9 (21:00), in what will probably be a decisive match.
Key moments 🎥
2′: Akliouche’s shot is saved by Michael
4′: Minamino’s lob goes broad
5′: Minamino scores with a low, angled shot from an Akliouche go (0-1)
8′: Anderson’s curling shot hits the crossbar
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18′: David Luiz heads into the highest nook from a nook (1-1)
26′: Balogun scores with a robust left-footed shot (1-2)
35′: Camara’s long-range shot goes over the bar
36′: Balogun’s shot from the sting of the field goes over the bar
39′: Minamino finishes off a pleasant group transfer, however his shot goes over the bar
42′: Vanderson’s shot from an Akliouche go is saved by Michael
49′: Balogun loses a one-on-one in opposition to Michael
54′: Hradecky saves a robust shot from Anderson
61′: Dragomir’s header is saved by Hradecky
64′: Michael makes a save from a Zakaria header
69′: Balogun’s left-footed shot goes over the bar
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87′: Large save by Hradecky
88: Personal purpose by Salisu
The stat 📊
Maghnes Akliouche supplied his fourth help within the Champions League, a tally surpassed solely by Jérôme Rothen (6) and Lucas Bernardi (5) for AS Monaco within the competitors. This additionally marks his fortieth purpose contribution for the Principality membership throughout all competitions (19 objectives, 21 assists).
🗓️ Match particulars:
Wednesday, November 26 2025 (18:45) – Alphamega Stadium
Champions League – Matchday 5: Pafos FC 2-2 AS Monaco
Halftime: 1-2
Objectives: Minamino (5′) and Balogun (26′) for AS Monaco; David Luiz (18′) and Salisu (88, CSC) for Pafos FC
Bookings: Camara (21′), Golovin (28′) and Salisu (89′) for AS Monaco; Goldar (45′) for Pafos FC
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Pafos FC: Michael – Bruno, Luckassen, David Luiz – Dragomir (Dimata 79′), Sunjic, Goldar © (Langa 46′), PêPê – Orsic, Quina (Jaja 57′), Anderson (Bassouamina 69′)
Substitutes: Petrou, Papadoudis, Pileas, Langa, Bassouamina, Dimata, Jaja
Supervisor: Juan Carlos Carcedo
AS Monaco : Hradecky – Vanderson (Kehrer 76e), Teze, Salisu, C.Henrique – Zakaria ©, Camara (Coulibaly (65e)– Akliouche, Golovin (Michal 65e), Minamino (Fati 76e) – Balogun (Biereth 89e)