United States international striker Folarin Balogun secured a crucial victory for AS Monaco on Tuesday, netting the decisive goal that saw the French side narrowly defeat Turkish club Galatasaray.
Balogun broke the deadlock in the 68th minute from a corner to deceive substitute Galatasaray goalkeeper Gunay Guvenc, who had come on seconds before to replace the injured Ugurcan Cakir.
Cakir had saved Denis Zakaria’s penalty in the 50th minute, following a VAR review for a Davinson Sanchez foul on Takumi Minamino. He also saved shots from Maghnes Akliouche and Minamino.
Balogun had wasted two promising chances before his winner, narrowly missing the target twice within a three-minute span just after the hour mark.
Galatasaray had a better start but Ilkay Gundogan’s shot went well above the crossbar from close range in the 13th minute while Baris Alper Yilmaz hit the post six minutes later.
​Balogun’s strike proved to be the difference-maker in a tightly contested match, ensuring Monaco clinched the win and collected all three points against the formidable visitors.
The victory provides a significant boost for the Monegasque side as they seek to solidify their position in the ongoing competition.
Both sides are on nine points, with Monaco facing Real Madrid away and Galatasaray welcoming Atletico Madrid next month.
