Eric Dier’s stoppage-time penalty secured a dramatic 2-2 draw for Monaco against Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday, denying Pep Guardiola’s side all three points despite an Erling Haaland brace.
Haaland struck twice in the first half, either side of Jordan Teze’s stunning equaliser, taking his tally to 11 goals in eight games across all competitions this season. The Norwegian looked set to inspire City to back-to-back victories in the group stage, but Dier’s 90th-minute spot-kick salvaged a point for the principality side.
The decisive moment came after Nico Gonzalez was penalised for a high boot on Dier during a Monaco free-kick. Following a lengthy VAR review, referee Jesus Gil Manzano awarded the penalty, and Dier calmly sent Gianluigi Donnarumma the wrong way to make it 2-2.
Haaland had earlier reached a Champions League milestone, scoring his 52nd goal in just 50 appearances in the competition. He opened the scoring on 15 minutes when he latched onto Josko Gvardiol’s lofted pass and lobbed goalkeeper Philipp Koehn.
Monaco, who last faced City in the memorable 2017 round-of-16 tie, levelled soon after when Krepin Diatta teed up Teze for a thunderous strike into the top corner. However, City regained control just before half-time, with Haaland heading home a Nico O’Reilly cross to restore the lead.
Despite City’s dominance, Monaco kept battling and were eventually rewarded by the contentious late decision, which allowed Dier to rescue a first point of their Champions League campaign. City, meanwhile, move onto four points after their opening-day win against Napoli.
What you should know
Erling Haaland’s brace underlined his lethal form in Europe, as he continues to break scoring records in the Champions League.
Eric Dier, meanwhile, proved decisive on his Monaco debut with a last-minute penalty that frustrated Manchester City, leaving Pep Guardiola’s men to settle for a share of the spoils.
