The visitors started very brightly and were rewarded early when a clever pass from Maghnes Akliouche found Takumi Minamino inside the box, enabling the Japanese international to slot the ball into the bottom corner just five minutes into the game.

Pafos, however, nearly equalised immediately as Anderson Silva’s looping shot from just outside the penalty area struck the crossbar, much to Monaco’s relief.

Still, the defending Cypriot champions scored an equaliser in the 18th minute with one of the season’s finest headed goals. Mislav Orsicdelivered a superb corner that was met by David Luiz, whose magnificent header flew past Lukas Hradecky into the top corner, igniting the home crowd and making him the second-oldest scorer in the competition’s history.

Pafos’ celebration was brief though, as a terrible misplaced pass from goalkeeper Neofytos Michail allowed Folarin Balogun to break free and the USA international didn’t miss, firing the ball into the net to give Monaco the lead again and score his second UCL goal this season.

Sebastien Pocognoli’s team should have increased their advantage before halftime when Minamino had a clear chance in the 39th minute, but his shot lacked accuracy and went wide.

Soon after the break, Balogun had a golden chance to score his second goal after receiving a perfect through ball from Minamino. Michail came to his team’s aid with a crucial block, keeping Pafos in the game.

Balogun’s missed chance nearly cost them as Hradecky made a superb save to deny Silva’s powerful shot at the other end.

However, as the match seemed to be winding down, Pafos clinched a crucial draw in dramatic fashion when the ball deflected off Salisu and went into his own goal, causing celebrations across Cyprus.

Sharing the points means both Pafos and Monaco move up to 22nd and 23rd respectively in the group standings, each with six points from five games. Pafos coach Juan Carlos Carcedo will be thrilled that his team has lost only one match in the group stage, while Monaco supporters may see this result as dropping two points rather than gaining one.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco)

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