UCL Recap: Monaco Come From Behind Against Zagreb to Salvage Point

Following an impressive victory over FC Barcelona in their first match, AS Monaco delivered another remarkable performance on Wednesday night. They fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against GNK Dinamo Zagreb at Stadion Maksimir during Matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League.

The contest didn't start the way that Adi Hütter would have hoped as the away side conceded a goal right before halftime as Petar Sučić scored in the first half stoppage time off an assist from Martin Baturina. Despite only recording three total shots in the first 45 minutes, the home team took the early lead.

Dinamo Zagreb carried that positive momentum into the second half. Baturina secured a goal of his own, handing the home side a 2-0 advantage with a strike in the 66th minute. The Croatian side only needed to withstand a little over 20 minutes to secure all three points, but that wouldn't happen.

Even though Monaco was down 2-0 on the road, the squad showed resilience, and the comeback began in the 74th with a goal from Mohammed Salisu. The Ligue 1 side would level the scoring in the 89th minute courtesy of a penalty kick goal from Denis Zakaria.

The result allows the away side to secure one point after they were staring defeat in the face following Zagreb's second goal early in the second half. While Monaco showed they could overcome adversity, Hütter praised the opposition for the challenge they presented in this match while speaking to the club's official website.

"Nenad Bjelica has just taken over as coach, and from what I’ve seen, he’s already made a significant impact on the team's mentality and reshaped their defensive structure. They have a clinical striker in Martin Baturina, who is one of Croatia’s top talents. Sandro Kulenovic is also a threat in attack. Central midfielder Josip Misic plays a key role in building their play."

Monaco will turn the page on this result as they face Stade Rennais on Saturday at Roazhon Park before the FIFA international break. Hutter and his team's next Champions League contest will come on October 22, when they welcome Red Star Belgrade to the Stade Louis II.

Photo credit: @AS_Monaco 

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