Manchester City draw 2-2 with Monaco after late VAR penalty

Manchester City were denied victory by a last‑minute VAR‑awarded penalty as they drew 2-2 with Monaco in the Champions League on October 1, 2025, with Eric Dier converting a spotkick after referee Jesús Gil Manzano reviewed the incident at the pitchside monitor. Erling Haaland scored twice for City but his brace was not enough to secure maximum points in a dramatic finish at the Stade Louis II.

The penalty decision followed a late aerial challenge for a Monaco free kick in which Nico González and Dier both stretched for the ball. Replays showed González appeared to touch the ball first but also made contact with Dier’s head. After a pitchside review prompted by VAR official César Soto Grado, Gil Manzano awarded the penalty. Dier, who joined Monaco in the summer from Bayern Munich, took responsibility and scored from the spot in the 90th minute to level the match.

City manager Pep Guardiola declined to offer a detailed critique of the refereeing, saying, "I have nothing to say to the Spanish referees," while emphasizing his focus on his team’s performance. He praised his side’s chances and defended work, noting that City created numerous opportunities and conceded little. "In...