Monaco vs Manchester City Preview

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Monaco endured a nightmare start to their UCL campaign with a humbling 4-1 defeat away to Belgian champions Club Brugge. That result laid bare the defensive vulnerabilities of Adi Hütter’s side, as they were punished by swift transitions and clinical finishing. While they bounced back in Ligue 1 immediately afterwards by thumping Metz 5-2, that optimism quickly dissipated with a sobering 3-1 defeat to Lorient at the weekend.

Their inconsistency is mirrored in their recent European record, with five defeats in their last seven UCL matches (W1, D1). Yet there is reason for hope on home soil. The Stade Louis II has once again become a fortress, with Monaco unbeaten in nine competitive home matches (W8, D1). Even more encouragingly, they have won five of their last six home fixtures in European group/league phases, showing a knack for finding results under the lights.

City, meanwhile, arrive in France in a much brighter mood. Since returning from the international break, Pep Guardiola’s men have looked close to their best again, piecing together a five-game unbeaten streak across competitions (W4, D1). That run was capped by a commanding 5-1 demolition of Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday, where City’s attacking machine finally clicked into gear.

The one blemish has been their poor UCL away form. City have lost their last four away matches in this competition, an unusual dip for Guardiola’s usually consistent travellers. Confidence will nevertheless be high given his astonishing personal record in early UCL rounds: across his career, Guardiola’s sides have gone unbeaten in 31 of 33 matchday one and two fixtures (W26, D5). The caveat? Both of his rare defeats came against French clubs, adding an intriguing subplot ahead of this showdown in Monaco.

История встреч

This is only the second time these sides have crossed paths in competitive football. Their previous meetings came in the 2016/17 UCL round of 16, producing one of the most thrilling ties in the competition’s history.

• City won 5-3 at the Etihad in the first leg.
• Monaco overturned the deficit with a 3-1 win in the return leg at Stade Louis II, progressing on away goals.

The French side also boast an impressive overall record against English visitors, losing just once in seven UCL home meetings (W5, D1). City, however, will be determined to write a different story this time, particularly with Guardiola’s hunger to avoid another slip against French opposition.

Горячая статистика и полосы

• Monaco have scored three or more goals in all three of their home matches this season.
• Six of Monaco’s last seven matches in all competitions have seen both teams score.
• Manchester City have opened the scoring in each of their last six matches.
• City have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight UCL games.

Ключевые игроки для наблюдения

Monaco: Ansu Fati

The on-loan forward is enjoying a purple patch, scoring in three successive matches, including a brace against Metz.

All four of his recent goals have come in the second half, showcasing his ability to influence tight games after the interval. With Monaco likely to need inspiration against a high-calibre opponent, Fati’s directness and clinical edge could be pivotal.

Манчестер Сити: Фил Фоден

City’s academy graduate has been one of the brighter sparks in an otherwise inconsistent start. Both of his league goals this season have been match-openers, both arriving in the 18th minute.

His recent UCL form is also encouraging, with his last three goals in this competition all coming before the 20-minute mark. If City want to silence the home crowd early, Foden may once again provide the breakthrough.

Team News

• Monaco: First-choice goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky remains out injured, forcing further reliance on Radosław Majecki. Midfielder Maghnes Akliouche missed the weekend defeat to Lorient due to illness but could return here.
• Manchester City: Guardiola is dealing with a growing injury list that includes Omar Marmoush and summer signing Rayan Cherki. Their absence robs the visitors of depth, though their frontline remains formidable.

Предсказание

This fixture pits Monaco’s strong home record against City’s renewed attacking rhythm, creating a fascinating tactical clash. The hosts have shown they can trouble English giants at Stade Louis II, and their ability to score freely at home should not be dismissed. However, City’s overall quality, coupled with Guardiola’s knack for grinding out early UCL results, gives them the edge.

Expect Monaco to trouble the scoreboard, but City’s attacking firepower should ultimately prevail.

Prediction: Monaco 1-3 Manchester City

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Monaco vs Man City | UEFA Champions League 2025/26