In challenging conditions during their second Champions League group match, AS Monaco managed a late equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday, October 2. The result allows the Principality side to continue their unbeaten streak this season.
After a stunning victory over FC Barcelona (2-1) in their opening Champions League game, Adi Hรผtter’s men entered the match as clear favorites. However, heavy rain in Zagreb made the pitch waterlogged, disrupting Monaco’s usual attacking flow and leaving them vulnerable at the back.
Despite their early dominance, Monaco was caught on the counterattack just before halftime. Dinamo Zagrebโs Martin Baturina launched a swift break, setting up Petar Sucic for a well-placed chip over the goalkeeper three minutes into the first half’s injury time. The weather continued to cause problems for the Monegasque side, and the Croatian hosts capitalised again in the 63rd minute when Baturina himself found the back of the net with a left-footed strike.
Facing a 2-0 deficit, Monaco fought back with determination. Defender Mohammed Salisu reduced the gap in the 74th minute, heading in from a corner. The introduction of substitutes Eliesse Ben Seghir and Folarin Balogun injected fresh energy into Monaco’s attack. In the dying moments of the match, Balogun won a crucial penalty, which captain Denis Zakaria calmly converted in the 90th minute to salvage a point.
The draw leaves Monaco well-positioned in their European campaign, as they leave Zagreb with a valuable point ahead of their upcoming fixtures. The next Champion’s League match will see the Monegasques take on Tuesday, October 22.
