An enterprising AS Monaco are pegged back late on by Pafos

Dominant in the first half and having led for a long time, the Rouge et Blanc were held to a draw in the final moments by the Cypriot team Pafos FC (2-2), on the fifth matchday of the Champions League.

Published on 26/11/2025 at 21:39

Reading time: 8 min.

It was a frustrating draw given the circumstances. Despite taking an early lead thanks to a very convincing first half, AS Monaco's players were pegged back in the dying minutes of their duel against Pafos (2-2), conceding a draw on the fifth matchday of the Champions League.Recap ✍️

The context 📅

After their first win of the campaign at Aspmyra Stadium against Bodo/Glimt (0-1), AS Monaco's players looked to try to confirm their good form in the Champions League. But the task will not be easy against Pafos FC, who have picked up five points in four matches, including a notable win against Villarreal (1-0) in their last match.

Pafos is an experienced team with the highest average age in the competition, capable of good ball control but also of playing a direct style of football. They are strong on set pieces and in transition.

Sébastien Pocognoli

The XI 👥

For this fifth Champions League matchday, Sébastien Pocognoli opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation with the return of the Camara-Zakaria duo in midfield. At the back, Jordan Teze partnered Mohammed Salisu in central defense, while Brazilians Caio Henrique and Vanderson occupied the flanks. Up front, Folarin Balogun was supported by the trio of Akliouche, Golovin, and Minamino.

The scenario 🎞

The match kicked off in summer-like temperatures at the Alphamega Stadium, where no fewer than 150 Monaco supporters had made the trip. And theRouge et Blancwasted no time in making their mark with Maghnes Akliouche forcing Michael into a fine save (2'). Several minutes later, the French international set up Takumi Minamino in the area.

A rapid-fire start to the match

The Japanese international then subtly cut across goal with his right foot to beat the Cypriot goalkeeper (1-0, 5')! There was no time to celebrate, though as the Pafos players responded through Anderson, whose shot rattled the crossbar of Lukas Hradecky (8').The start of the match was very hotly contested and David Luiz brought the two teams level with a powerful header from the penalty spot following a well-taken corner by Orsic (1-1, 18').

Pressing pays off for Balogun

In the ensuing moments, Monaco increased their intensity, and following a strong collective press initiated by Aleksandr Golovin, Michael misplaced a pass. Ever alert, Folarin Balogun recovered the ball at the edge of the box and finished with a powerful shot (1-2, 26')! Sébastien Pocognoli's players even pushied to extend their lead at the end of the first half, but Lamine Camara (35'), Balo' (36') and Taki' (39') were off target with their efforts while Vanderson was denied by Michael (42').

Decisive Goalkeepers

The two teams head to the locker rooms after a very lively first half. And the second half started at the same pace! Perfectly set up by Taki, the Monaco number 9 finds himself one-on-one with the Cypriot goalkeeper but loses the duel (49'). Then Lukas Hradecky responded with a magnificent save following a shot from Anderson (54'). Juan Carlos Carcedo's men then struggle to create chances, until a splendid save from the Finnish goalkeeper (87').

Disappointment just before full time

Unfortunately, on the corner that followed, Mohammed Salisu aws the ball bounce off him and end up in the net (2-2, 89'). The score remains unchanged, resulting in a draw at the end of this fifth matchday in the Champions League (2-2). It was a frustrating result given Monaco's dominance, particularly in the first half. Now, all eyes are on the next Champions League fixture, with a visit from Galatasaray on Tuesday December 9 (21:00), in what will be a decisive match.

Key moments 🎥

2': Akliouche's shot is saved by Michael
4': Minamino's lob goes wide5': Minamino scores with a low, angled shot from an Akliouche pass (0-1)
8': Anderson's curling shot hits the crossbar18': David Luiz heads into the top corner from a corner (1-1)26': Balogun scores with a powerful left-footed shot (1-2)
35': Camara's long-range shot goes over the bar
36': Balogun's shot from the edge of the box goes over the bar
39': Minamino finishes off a nice team move, but his shot goes over the bar
42': Vanderson's shot from an Akliouche pass is saved by Michael
49': Balogun loses a one-on-one against Michael
54': Hradecky saves a powerful shot from Anderson
61': Dragomir's header is saved by Hradecky
64': Michael makes a save from a Zakaria header
69': Balogun's left-footed shot goes over the bar
87': Huge save by Hradecky88: Own goal by Salisu

The stat 📊

Maghnes Akliouche provided his fourth assist in the Champions League, a tally surpassed only by Jérôme Rothen (6) and Lucas Bernardi (5) for AS Monaco in the competition. This also marks his 40th goal contribution for the Principality club across all competitions (19 goals, 21 assists).

🗓️ Match details:

Wednesday, November 26 2025 (18:45) - Alphamega Stadium
Champions League - Matchday 5: Pafos FC 2-2 AS Monaco
Halftime: 1-2
Goals: Minamino (5') and Balogun (26') for AS Monaco; David Luiz (18') and Salisu (88, CSC) for Pafos FC
Bookings: Camara (21'), Golovin (28') and Salisu (89') for AS Monaco; Goldar (45') for Pafos FC
Pafos FC: Michael - Bruno, Luckassen, David Luiz - Dragomir (Dimata 79'), Sunjic, Goldar © (Langa 46'), PêPê - Orsic, Quina (Jaja 57'), Anderson (Bassouamina 69')
Substitutes: Petrou, Papadoudis, Pileas, Langa, Bassouamina, Dimata, Jaja
Manager: Juan Carlos Carcedo
AS Monaco : Hradecky – Vanderson (Kehrer 76e), Teze, Salisu, C.Henrique - Zakaria ©, Camara (Coulibaly (65e)– Akliouche, Golovin (Michal 65e), Minamino (Fati 76e) - Balogun (Biereth 89e)
Substitutes: Köhn, Kehrer, Ouattara, Coulibaly, Pogba, Idumbo, Fati, Biereth, Ilenikhena, Michal
Manager: Sébastien Pocognoli