Champions League: Balogun goal seals Monaco win over Galatasaray

Champions League: Balogun goal seals Monaco win over Galatasaray

Nigerian-born striker Folarin Balogun scored for the third consecutive Champions League game to earn Monaco a 1-0 victory over Galatasaray.

In a match where both sides missed several golden opportunities, Balogun’s scrambled 68th-minute effort proved decisive in the principality.

Captain Denis Zakaria also failed to convert a weak penalty earlier in the second half.

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But Balogun finally broke the deadlock when he bundled the ball in with his knee after a corner was headed into the six-yard box, securing Monaco’s second win of the league phase.

The first big chance of the game fell to Galatasaray, but Ilkay Gündoğan fired over from six yards with the goal at his mercy. Barış Alper Yılmaz later struck the outside of the post after shrugging off his marker.

Monaco also created and wasted several chances. Ugurcan Çakır saved Zakaria’s poorly struck penalty after ex-Tottenham defender Davinson Sánchez brought down former Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino.

Balogun missed further opportunities, scuffing wide from close range and smashing over the bar after breaking clear.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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