Glik grabs draw for Monaco against Leverkusen
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Article summary
Kamil Glik fired in a superb half-volley four minutes into added time to cancel out Javier Hernández's strike as Monaco snatched a Group E point with their first shot on target all game.
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Kamil Glik equalised with virtually the last kick of the game to earn Monaco a Group E point at home to Bayer Leverkusen.
There was plenty of effort on show from both sides in an even first half, but opportunities were few and far between until a late flurry before the interval – a sign of things to come.
Javier Hernández then appeared to have won it for Leverkusen when he headed in Admir Mehmedi's cross in the 73rd minute, yet Glik's sensational strike in the fourth minute of stoppage time salvaged a point for the hosts.
Key player: Javier Hernández
The Mexican international always looked the likeliest to break the deadlock at the Stade Louis II, stinging the palms of Danijel Subašić either side of half-time before making it third time lucky. The goal was the 28-year-old's 100th for a European club (59 for Manchester United, nine for Real Madrid, 32 for Leverkusen) – and no less than the diminutive frontman deserved.
Leverkusen defensively sound
Having squandered a two-goal cushion against CSKA Moskva in their group opener, Leverkusen put in a much-improved defensive display in the principality. Ömer Toprak marshalled the back four superbly, while Charles Aránguiz and Kevin Kampl worked tirelessly in the centre of the park. Glik's last-gasp leveller is a bitter pill to swallow, but there is plenty to build on for Roger Schmidt's team.
Monaco stymied until the last
This was billed as a battle between Monaco's small, skilful attacking midfielders and a physical German rearguard. In truth Monaco weren't able to get Bernardo Silva, João Moutinho and Thomas Lemar on the ball enough against a superbly drilled Leverkusen side that pressed relentlessly and didn't afford Monaco the time and space to get their football flowing. Glik's was their first shot on target all night.
Reporter's views
David Crossan, Monaco (@UEFAcomDavidC)
This was a frustrating night for Monaco, who conceded a goal they will feel they could have avoided and were unable to extricate themselves from Leverkusen's ferocious pressing to really threaten Bayer No1 Bernd Leno. Yet this could prove a valuable point nonetheless, and a maximum haul from the upcoming double header with CSKA Moskva would leave the 2014/15 quarter-finalists very handily placed to advance from the section.
Matthew Howarth, Leverkusen (@UEFAcomMattH)
In many ways, this was the perfect away display from Leverkusen until Glik's late equaliser. The visitors were excellent defensively and clinical when it mattered at the other end. Consequently this was not the result Schmidt and his players were hoping for, but if they can put in a repeat performance against Tottenham Hotspur next month, they will fancy their chances of registering their first three points of this group stage.