Sergio Aguero bagged two goals and an assist to inspire Manchester City to a 5-3 win over AS Monaco in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last 16 tie.
City got off to an encouraging start and saw a lot of the ball in the opening stages, while Monaco were content with sitting back and attacking on the counter.
Monaco squandered a big chance after 18 minutes as Kamil Glik headed wide of the upright from six-yards out at the far post.
City eventually broke the deadlock in the 26th minute as David Silva played in Leroy Sane, who in turn teed up Raheem Sterling tap home from three-yards out.
However, Monaco leveled matters just after the half hour mark as an un-marked Radamel Falcao headed home Fabinho’s cross at the far post, 1-1.
The visitors managed to take the lead just before the break as Kylian Mbappé latched onto a long ball, before rifling the ball past Willy Caballero.
Monaco were then handed awarded a penalty shortly after the break when Nicolas Otamendi brought down Falcao. The Colombian stepped up but saw his spot-kick saved by Caballero.
City leveled matters after 58 minutes as Aguero fired home at the near post after an error from goalkeeper, Danijel Subasic.
Monaco restored their lead three minutes later as Falcao dispossessed John Stones in the box. before superbly lobbing the ball over Caballero.
The home side then levelled scores once again as Aguero grabbed his second with a fine volley from 12-yards out, 3-3.
Guardiola’s charges then took the lead in the 77th minute Yaya Toure’s flick-on was turned home by Stones at the far post.
City then sealed the win in the 82nd minute, as Silva delightfully played in Aguero who teed up Sane for the simple tap in from six-yards out, 5-3. – Africa Sports24.
