The Colombia international displayed his clinical prowess in front of goal to score a brace, as Claudio Ranieri's men eased to victory.
Andrea Raggi opened the scoring for the hosts at the Stade Louis II, while Lucas Ocampos and Mounir Obbadi also got their names on the scoresheet.
Falcao, Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez were all named in the Monaco starting XI, with Jermain Defoe, Moussa Dembele and new signing Nacer Chadli included for Spurs.
Defoe's contribution was shortlived, however, as he limped off after just eight minutes to be replaced by Harry Kane.
Tottenham's fortunes did not improve and six minutes later they fell behind when Hugo Lloris failed to deal with Raggi's well-placed volley after an excellent ball over the top from Rodriguez.
Monaco continued to enjoy the lion's share of possession in the first half, but Tottenham stood firm until the interval.
However, the visitors' defence wilted in the early stages of the second period, Ocampos doubling Monaco's lead as he headed in Moutinho's near-post free-kick after 47 minutes.
Ocampos turned provider two minutes later to end the game as a contest, his precise cross swept home by Falcao.
The Premier League side replied shortly after, though, as Kane converted from close range.
Still, that proved to be only brief respite for Andre Villas-Boas' charges as Falcao fired home from another Ocampos cross after 65 minutes before midfielder Obbadi powered an effort into the bottom corner following good work from Yannick Carrasco.
Tottenham did give a scoreline a semblance of respectability six minutes from time, substitute Andros Townsend reducing the deficit with a fine individual goal.
No comments:
Post a Comment