Champions League

[monks data]

Champions League | Round-Of-16

Feb 25, 2015 at 7.45pm UK

Arsenal
1-3
Monaco Monaco

Oxlade-Chamberlain (91')

FT(HT: 0-1)

Kondogbia (38'), Berbatov (53'), Ferreira Carrasco (94')

Half-Time Report: Arsenal trail AS Monaco at the break

By Paul Gorst, Reporter | 25 February 2015

Geoffrey Kondogbia's strike gives Monaco a surprise 1-0 lead at half time against Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League at the Emirates.

Geoffrey Kondogbia's strike has given AS Monaco a surprise 1-0 lead at half time against Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League at the Emirates.

In a fairly timid opening half, Danny Welbeck had an early chance for the Gunners when he was sent scampering through on goal, but the England international was off balance as he scooped an effort over the bar.

Joao Moutinho mustered Monaco's first shot of the game on the 20-minute mark, but the Portugal international's tame effort drifted harmlessly wide as both sides struggled to create anything clear-cut.

Santi Cazorla of Arsenal is challenged by Almary Toure of Monaco during the UEFA Champions League round of 16, first leg match on February 25, 2015 © Getty Images

A promising attack for the Ligue 1 side broke down when Moutinho's slack pass was unable to find Dimitar Berbatov inside the area, before Alexis Sanchez clipped a shot over the top after good work from Mesut Ozil.

Moutinho was then able to find some room inside the area but his acrobatic effort flew well over the bar after he connected with a fizzed delivery.

Some neat link-up play between Sanchez and Santi Cazorla found Hector Bellerin wide right but the youngster's low cross was whipped over the bar by Olivier Giroud.

Kondogbia then gave the visitors the lead when his long-range effort deflected off Per Mertesacker to leave David Ospina rooted.