Monaco showed exactly why they’re the highest-scoring team in Europe this season with a dazzling first-leg display which saw them score three crucial away goals. However, they made too many mistakes at the back, and must now win by two goals to overturn their 5-3 deficit.
The French side had an ideal preparation for the crucial second leg. They’ve won their last four league games since that first-leg loss. They scored 12 goals in those four games, which included four in a 4-0 home win over Nantes.
If there’s a team in Europe – apart from Barcelona – that can overturn a two-goal advantage at home, it’s probably Monaco. The French league leaders have been simply irresistible at home this season. They’ve won 13 out of 15 home games in the league (13-1-1) with 52 goals scored and just 11 conceded. They also won two out of three Champions League group games.
However, they will be sweating the fitness of star forward Falcao, who suffered a hip injury in their 2-1 win over Bordeaux over the weekend. The Colombian is the team’s leading scorer with 21 goals in 21 games, including two in the first leg. Their chances of advancing will obviously take a huge hit if he’s deemed unfit to play.
Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side reminded everyone just how threatening they truly are as an attacking force. Led by Sergio Aguero’s two goals and flanked by the speed of Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling, the Citizens have a front three that can rival any in Europe.
The English side also displayed their vulnerabilities at the back in the first leg. Despite conceding just one goal in their last four games – all against middling to bad competition – they will likely give up a goal or two once again away from home. But with Monaco likely to push players forward in search of goals, City should have a lot of space to exploit on the counterattack.
It should be noted that City don’t need to win in order to go through; a draw or a one-goal defeat would be enough for them to reach the quarterfinals. That’s somewhat good news for them because recent trends don’t favor City winning away from home.
City have the dubious distinction of being the only team in this year’s round of 16 to progress despite not winning a single away group game. They drew two and lost one of their three games, and scored only four goals.
Meanwhile, Guardiola has also had a very sketchy history when it comes to the away leg of the Champions League knockout rounds. He’s failed to win any of his last eight (four draws, four losses).
Writer’s Prediction
Monaco(+150) edge Man City in another high-scoring affair, but despite a 3-2 win, they crash out.
Create a betting account now and cash in on all the best Champions League action with America’s top online sportsbook.
