Man City Vs Monaco: Live Score, Preview, Lineup, Telecast Details
| Date | 01/10/2025 |
| Time | 12:30 A.M IST |
| Stadium | Stade Louis II |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League (Matchday 2) |
🏟️ High-Stakes Trip to the Principality: Monaco Host Manchester City
**Manchester City** travels to the Stade Louis II in Monaco to face **AS Monaco** in a crucial UEFA Champions League Matchday 2 fixture. Pep Guardiola's side started their European campaign with a comfortable win and will be looking to build momentum against a Monaco side that suffered a heavy defeat in their opener.
This match is a repeat of their unforgettable 2016-17 Round of 16 tie, which Monaco won on away goals following a thrilling 6-6 aggregate scoreline. City's captain and former Monaco star, Bernardo Silva, makes a highly anticipated return to his old stomping ground.
- Event: 2025-26 UEFA Champions League (League Phase, Matchday 2)
- Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
- Time: 12:30 AM IST (India Standard Time) | 8:00 PM BST (Local time)
- Venue: Stade Louis II, Monaco
- Context: City aim for a second straight win against a goal-heavy, yet defensively vulnerable, Monaco team.
⚔️ Team Analysis & Form
AS Monaco (France)
Monaco's season has been characterized by high-scoring games and defensive frailties. They have scored 14 goals in their first six domestic games, but their defense has been leaky, conceding 10. This was evident in their 4-1 Champions League opening loss to Club Brugge. Coach Adi Hütter is facing a midfield selection crisis with key players like **Denis Zakaria**, **Aleksandr Golovin**, and **Lamine Camara** all sidelined through injury. Former Manchester United player Paul Pogba is also still not fit enough for a debut. Monaco will rely on the in-form Barcelona loanee **Ansu Fati** and the attacking prowess of strikers like Folarin Balogun and Mika Biereth.
Manchester City (England)
Manchester City’s form is strong, having won four of their last five matches, including a dominant 2-0 win over Napoli in Matchday 1. The good news for Pep Guardiola is that key defensive midfielder **Rodri** is back in the traveling squad and available after missing the weekend's league match with knee soreness. The Citizens will still be without Rayan Aït-Nouri and Omar Marmoush due to injury. With the attack spearheaded by goal-machine **Erling Haaland**, City will look to exploit Monaco's injury-hit midfield and leaky backline.
⭐ Key Players
- Monaco: Ansu Fati (Winger/Forward) - The Barcelona loanee is in fine form, coming off the bench to score goals in recent games. His threat, combined with his pace, will be vital for Monaco on the counter-attack.
- Monaco: Folarin Balogun (Forward) - The USMNT striker will be keen to secure his first Champions League goal for the club. His movement and link-up play with the wingers will be crucial.
- Man City: Erling Haaland (Forward) - Haaland is set to play his 50th Champions League game, having scored 50 goals in his first 49. Given Monaco's defensive issues, he is the biggest threat on the pitch.
- Man City: Bernardo Silva (Midfield/Winger) - The City captain returns to his former club. His creativity, work rate, and intelligence in the final third will be key to unlocking the Monaco defense.
🎯 The Key Battlegrounds
- **Monaco's Midfield vs. City's Control:** With Monaco missing their primary ball-winners and holders (Zakaria, Camara), City’s midfield (featuring players like Rodri/Nico, Bernardo Silva, and Foden/Reijnders) is expected to dominate possession and overrun the depleted home side.
- **Exploiting the Defense:** Monaco’s defense has been brittle this season. The pace of City wingers **Jeremy Doku** and **Oscar Bobb/Savinho** combined with the clinical finishing of **Haaland** will look to punish any high line or errors from the back four of Dier and Kehrer.
- **The Counter-Attack Threat:** While City are favourites, their defense can be vulnerable to swift counter-attacks. The directness of Ansu Fati and Balogun will test City's fullbacks, especially if the visitors commit too many players forward.
🔮 Prediction and Final Word
Based on Monaco's current injury issues in midfield and their historically leaky defense, Manchester City are the clear favorites. The attacking quality of City, led by the rampant Haaland, should be too much for the hosts to contain. However, given Monaco’s own ability to score goals (BTTS has hit in 6 of their 7 games this season), a clean sheet for City is unlikely. Expect goals, but expect a comfortable win for the visitors.
Predicted Score: AS Monaco 1-3 Manchester City.
Get ready for a Champions League classic!
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