Manchester City's Champions League clash with AS Monaco last night was quickly described as 'crazy' by many watching on.
Pep Guardiola's City side looked quickly on their way to stamping their authority on the contest when Raheem Sterling scored in the 26th minute.
But goals from Radamel Falcao and youngster Kylian Mbappe prior to the break saw Monaco head into the dressing room with a 2-1 lead - fairly standard in today's modern game.
However, what ensued in the second half was nothing short of remarkable.
City equalised through Sergio Aguero, who forced a fundamental goalkeeping error from Danijel Subasic, before Falcao produced a moment of individual magic when leaving John Stones sprawled on the turf prior to deftly chipping the outstretched hand of Willy Caballero.
This came after the City keeper had denied former Manchester United and Chelsea striker Falcao from the spot on 50 minutes.
With just under 20 minutes remaining on the clock, Aguero hit a sweet volley from a David Silva corner to level for the home side at 3-3 before Stones atoned for his earlier mistake by slotting home from close range in the 77th minute.
And then to round out the European classic, Leroy Sane made it 5-3 at the death to City.
There were a number of interesting stats from the intriguing encounter, which has City in the driver's seat ahead of the return bout in Monaco in three weeks' time.
Thanks to Opta for the stats!
8 - Manchester City 5-3 Monaco is the highest scoring first leg ever in a Champions League knockout tie. Bonanza.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 21, 2017
5 - Monaco have conceded 5 goals for the very first time in the European Cup/Champions League. Crazy.
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) February 21, 2017
5 - Manchester City have scored five goals in a Champions League game for the second time (5-2 v CSKA Moscow in November 2013). Alive.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 21, 2017
2 - Falcao has scored as many goals tonight in Manchester as he did at Old Trafford for Manchester United (15 games). Homecoming.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 21, 2017
200 - Sergio Aguero's strike is Manchester City's 200th European goal. Equaliser.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 21, 2017
5 - The last five penalties Manchester City faced in the Champions League have been saved by the goalkeeper. Experts.
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) February 21, 2017
2 - Falcao is the only player to miss 2 penalties in the Champions League this season. Sight.
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) February 21, 2017
10 - Man City faced 10 shots in the 1st half against Monaco, the joint-most they've faced in the 1st half of any game this season. Brittle.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 21, 2017
18 years & 2 months - Kylian Mbappé is the 2nd youngest French player to score in the CL after Benzema (17 years & 11 months). Monumental. pic.twitter.com/tfuFiaT6AV
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) February 21, 2017
110 - Monaco are now the top scoring team within the top five European leagues (all comps). Galore.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 21, 2017
