Manchester City's defence of their Champions League crown hangs in the balance after a night of high drama on the French Riviera, where Phil Foden's moment of madness proved decisive in a crushing 2-1 defeat to AS Monaco.
A Night of Drama and Despair for City
What began as a controlled European away performance descended into chaos for Pep Guardiola's side after English midfielder Phil Foden received two quickfire yellow cards, reducing the visitors to ten men just after the hour mark.
The turning point came in the 63rd minute when Foden, already on a booking, recklessly challenged Monaco's Youssouf Fofana. The inevitable dismissal forced City into a desperate rearguard action that they ultimately couldn't sustain.
Monaco Capitalise on Numerical Advantage
With City rocking, the Ligue 1 outfit pressed their advantage mercilessly. Wissam Ben Yedder broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, before Takumi Minamino doubled Monaco's lead just seven minutes later with a clinical finish that left Ederson with no chance.
"It was a game we controlled until the red card," a frustrated Guardiola told reporters post-match. "The discipline cost us. At this level, you cannot play 30 minutes with ten men and expect a positive result."
Late Consolation Offers Little Comfort
Erling Haaland's 88th-minute header provided mere consolation for the travelling supporters, the Norwegian's first touch of real quality in a quiet evening by his extraordinary standards.
The defeat leaves City's qualification hopes delicately poised, with crucial fixtures ahead that will now carry added significance following this costly Mediterranean misstep.
