Player Ratings Breakdown Pafos vs Monaco 2-2 Draw Leaves Les Monégasques Frustrated in Cyprus
Pafos and Monaco played a thrilling UEFA Champions League match on November 26, 2025, in Cyprus, ending in a 2-2 draw. Both teams displayed attacking prowess, with Monaco taking the lead twice in the match, only for Pafos to respond each time. This draw left Les Monégasques feeling frustrated, having missed an opportunity to secure all three points.
Match Overview
The match commenced with Monaco asserting dominance. Within the first five minutes, Takumi Minamino scored, showcasing excellent teamwork with Golovin and Akliouche. This early goal set an energetic tone for the rest of the game.
Pafos’ Fightback
- Pafos had their first real chance from a set piece when David Goldar’s touch nearly resulted in a goal.
- They equalized with a powerful header from David Luiz after another corner.
- Monaco quickly regained the lead with Folarin Balogun intercepting a mistake in Pafos’ defense, finishing expertly.
Second Half Dynamics
After halftime, Balogun had a chance to extend Monaco’s lead but was denied by the Pafos goalkeeper, Michail. Despite Monaco’s possession advantage, Pafos continued to threaten with set pieces and counterattacks.
Crucial Equalizer
Pafos secured a crucial equalizer from another corner when Šunjic’s header hit the crossbar and deflected off Salisu into the net. This dramatic moment ensured a share of the points for the hosts.
Player Performances
Here’s a summary of Monaco’s player ratings from the match:
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Lukas Hradecky | 6 |
| Mohamed Salisu | 5 |
| Jordan Teze | 5 |
| Caio Henrique | 5 |
| Vanderson | 5 |
| Denis Zakaria | 5 |
| Lamine Camara | 4 |
| Takumi Minamino | 6 |
| Maghnes Akliouche | 6 |
| Folarin Balogun | 6 |
| Alexander Golovin | 6 |
Balogun continued to impress with his performance, showing excellent instincts and scoring Monaco’s second goal. Golovin’s ability to create plays was crucial, while Hradecky made several key saves to keep Monaco competitive.
This match exemplified the thrilling nature of Champions League football, with both teams demonstrating resilience and offensive talent. With both teams earning a point, the competition remains fierce as they strive for advancement in the tournament.
