UCL Recap: Monaco Hold City, Arsenal Win Again, Newcastle Run Riot

Monaco 2-2 Manchester City

Monaco extended their unbeaten home run to 10 matches as a late Eric Dier penalty secured a 2-2 draw against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League.

City struck first after 14 minutes when Erling Haaland latched onto Joško Gvardiol’s pass and coolly lifted the ball over Philipp Köhn. The lead lasted only three minutes as Jordan Teze unleashed a stunning long-range strike past Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Pep Guardiola’s side dominated the rest of the first half, with Phil Foden hitting the bar before Haaland headed in Nico O’Reilly’s cross to restore the lead. After the interval, Monaco responded strongly, Maghnes Akliouche forcing a fine save from Donnarumma, while Tijjani Reijnders later struck the woodwork for City.

The drama came late as Dier was caught in the face by Nico González, and after a VAR review, the defender converted the penalty himself to level. Monaco claimed their first group-stage point, while City are winless in five UCL away games.

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal claimed a sixth successive Champions League group-stage victory with a 2-0 win over Olympiacos at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta made six changes and was rewarded early when Gabriel Martinelli tapped in after Viktor Gyökeres’ shot was saved onto the post. David Raya preserved Arsenal’s lead with a brilliant stop to deny Daniel Podence before half-time.

After the break, Martin Ødegaard dictated play, setting up Leandro Trossard whose shot was saved. Olympiacos thought they had equalised through Chiquinho, but the effort was ruled out for offside in the build-up.

Bukayo Saka sealed the win in stoppage time, finishing through goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis’ legs. Olympiacos fought well but slipped to their 11th consecutive away defeat in the UCL group phase.

Royale Union SG 0-4 Newcastle

Newcastle United earned their first Champions League league-phase win of the season with a dominant 4-0 victory at Royale Union SG, also marking their first-ever away triumph in the competition.

The opener came after 20 minutes when Sandro Tonali’s volley was diverted in by Nick Woltemade for his first UCL goal. Anthony Gordon doubled the lead from the penalty spot after Anthony Elanga was fouled.

After the break, RUSG pressed but Anan Khalaili missed a key chance. Moments later, Leysen handled in the box, conceding a second penalty. Gordon converted again to make it 3-0. Harvey Barnes completed the rout on the counterattack late on.

It was a ruthless performance from Eddie Howe’s men, while the Belgian champions were left to regroup ahead of their domestic clash with Club Brugge.