AS Monaco and Dinamo Zagreb neutralize each other

AS Monaco, traveling to Dinamo Zagreb, gave themselves a scare but managed to snatch an almost unexpected draw in the final minutes.

AS Monaco traveled to Croatia to face Dinamo Zagreb, a team that soundly defeated Bayern Munich (9-2) on the first day of the Champions League. For their part, Adi Hütter’s team hoped to build on their good momentum after a convincing win against Barça (2-1) to enter the competition.

Despite the Asemists’ clear dominance in ball possession (63% to 37%), the first half was primarily like an observation session between the two teams. In fact, they only conceded three shots each, including just one on goal on each side.

Martin Baturina started the hostility for the Croatians with a fine free-kick shot in the opening minutes, while Takumi Minamino was first to try his luck for the Monegasques seven minutes later. In injury time of the first third, Peter Cucic scored the first goal for the locals. Served by Baturina after a quick counterattack, he won his duel against Philipp Köhn (1:0, 45+3).

Monaco saves the furniture

The second half smiled more on the Croatians. Barely eight minutes after the restart, Bruno Petkovic narrowly missed taking another lead before the tireless Baturina doubled the lead (66′). After eliminating two Monegasques, the Croatian attacking midfielder fired an unstoppable shot that landed in Köhn’s left goal.

However, Zagreb’s lead didn’t last long. Eight minutes later, Mohammed Salisu reduced the deficit with a powerful header and gave the Monegasques hope. Minamino almost equalized with a cross in the 88th minute, but it was a penalty from Folarin Balogun following a foul from Maxime Bernauer that allowed Denis Zakaria to secure the draw for Monaco. Final score: 2-2.