City were outclassed in the first half of their second leg at the Stade Louis II and Guardiola needed a drastic tactical switch at half-time to stop Monaco from running riot.
Kevin De Bruyne dropped deeper to halt the barrage of Monaco’s attacks from all angles, but it was not enough to prevent the Ligue 1 leaders from securing a vital late goal that puts them through.
Arsenal scout Gilles Grimandi was present to watch the game, and no doubt many other clubs have been impressed with Monaco’s wealth of talent that has been on display this season.
But here are four of Leonardo Jardim’s star players who would be ready to make the jump to the Premier League this summer.
KYLIAN MBAPPE
Once again Mbappe delivered on the big stage and it took just eight minutes for the 18-year-old to make his mark.
Mbappe opened the scoring from close range and it was his movement and alertness which put City on the back foot.
Bernardo Silva’s cross from the left flank fizzed towards the Monaco forward, but his quick adjustment to steer the ball past Willy Caballero looked effortless.
Across the two legs, Mbappe’s confidence and purpose when attacking has made him look like a seasoned Champions League performer – not one who only made his debut in the competition six months ago.
‘It looks like he’s been playing this level for a long time. Composure usually comes later in their career,’ Ferdinand told BT Sport.
‘His movement is sensational, that’s not an 18-year-old’s movement mentally.’
BENJAMIN MENDY
The 22-year-old’s stamina and intent to get forward at every opportunity made him such a huge threat for Monaco, while his delivery into the area was often precise and dangerous, as shown with the low cross which set up Fabinho’s goal in the first half.
No defender in the Champions League has more assists than Mendy this season, and with Arsenal, Liverpool and City all on the lookout for a new left-back, the Frenchman could be in high demand this summer.
BERNARDO SILVA
Monaco could be looking for a new jewel in their crown this summer following Silva’s sublime performances this season.
Going forward, the Portugal international was at his effervescent best in the first leg against City but in the return fixture, he showed that even the most creative players can pitch in with their defensive duties as he made as many successful tackles as Mendy, Monaco’s centre-back, Jemerson, and Fernandinho.
Silva has been Monaco’s creative force this term, scoring six goals and registering seven assists in 28 Ligue 1 appearances so far.
The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with Chelsea and Manchester United, and admitted to The Times that he would be keen to play in the Premier League one day.
‘Of course it’s nice to be associated with that kind of club but I haven’t thought a lot about it,’ he said.
‘One day I would like to play in England or Spain, in one of the best leagues in the world, but for now I’m very happy here.’
FABINHO
The 23-year-old began his career at right-back but off the back of his superb display in central midfield against City, you wouldn’t know it.
Fabinho had all the defensive qualities, as shown by his well-timed tackle on Leroy Sane in the second half to stop a City counter, but the Brazilian was excellent going forward, too.
His range and choice of pass was bettered only by Kevin De Bruyne at the Stade Louis II, and his goal was straight out of the handbook of an attacking midfielder as he found space inside the box and finished first time from Mendy’s low cross from the left.
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