Champions League last 16 draw: Arsenal to face Bayern Munich again
The Gunners had faced the German Champions four times before.
A match that seemed to be petering out towards a goalless draw dramatically changed with a 3-goal burst inside five second-half minutes as Monaco edged Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 to end the English sides hopes of qualifying from Group E on Tuesday night.
While Tottenham remain on 4 points, three behind second-placed Bayer Leverkusen, according to UEFA rules they cannot qualify by virtue of an inferior head-to-head record, rendering their final game a dead rubber.
Unbeaten in the Premier League, Spurs have struggled mightily in Europe and they were quite poor against a Monaco side who despite needing just a draw, went for a win from the off.
Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino’s selection gamble backfired as the visitors started without the likes of Christian Eriksen, Jan Vertongen and Kyle Walker to
And had it not been for the sheer brilliance of Hugo Lloris, Monaco could have run riot, as the Spurs captain brilliantly saved a penalty from Radamel Falcao in the first-half.
The hosts weren't to be denied for long, as Djibril Sidibe headed home a smart Benjamin Mendy cross in the 48th minute to breach Lloris for the first time.
Just four minutes later, Spurs were awarded a penalty of their own after Dele Alli’s brilliant piece of skill bamboozled Kamil Gilk and Harry Kane continued his good run of form, managing to beat Daniel Subasic despite the Monaco keeper getting a hand to the spot-kick.
The Champions League is the highest level of club football, yet the visitors committed a school boy error, switching off after scoring to allow the hosts to breach them for a second and final time in the 53rd minute.
Thomas Lemar, who has been enjoying a good season with the principality club, found himself unmarked near the far post from Sidibe’s cross from the right wing and his low shot left Lloris with no chance.
A game that Monaco deserved to win and Tottenham will find it hard disagree, becoming the first English club after Bayer Leverkusen managed a 1-1 draw with CSKA Moscow in the other Group E game.
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