After Man City's thrilling 5-3 win over Monaco, manager Pep Guardiola promises another goal fest in return leg of the Champions League Round-of-16 encounter at Stade Louis II Stadium
Manchester City players celebrate a goal against Monaco during the Champions League Round-of-16 first-leg match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester on Tuesday Pic/AFP
Manchester: Pep Guardiola pledged that Manchester City will continue to fight fire with fire when they take a 5-3 lead to Monaco in their Champions League last 16 tie.
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City procured a two-goal advantage after a remarkable first-leg match at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday in which they fought back from 2-1 and 3-2 down to put themselves in the driving seat. Monaco's goals exposed serious failings in the City rearguard, but although Guardiola acknowledged his side must tighten up at the back, he said they would go to Stade Louis II intending to attack.
Pep Guardiola
"They will attack more and more and we have to defend better. But we will have our chances," said Guardiola. "We are going to fly to Monaco to score as many goals as possible. We are not going to defend that result. If we don't score goals in Monaco, we will be eliminated."
Raheem Sterling gave City a 26th-minute lead following a brilliant run from Leroy Sane, but a loose kick by home goalkeeper Willy Caballero enabled Monaco to level through Radamel Falcao's header.
Monaco’s Radamel Falcao cuts a forlorn figure after missing a penalty on Tuesday. Pic/AFP
A dawdling Nicolas Otamendi was at fault for Monaco's second goal, scored by Kylian Mbappe, and then conceded a penalty, only for Caballero to save Falcao's effort. Sergio Aguero and Falcao swapped goals, the former benefiting from a huge error by Monaco goalkeeper Danijel Subasic, the latter scoring with a sublime chip, before City found an extra gear. Aguero volleyed in David Silva's corner to make it 3-3 in the 71st minute and further goals from John Stones and Sane carried Guardiola's men to a breathless victory.
Aguero played down suggestions his relationship with Guardiola is frosty. "The truth is we get on well," said Aguero.
"What he wants, above everything, from all the players is that we push a little more. He's always asking me for more. Obviously it's a sacrifice that we all have to make, and fortunately tonight it worked and we'll see if it keeps working in the next game."
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