Radamel Falcao scores two as Monaco beat CSKA Moscow

Radamel Falcao scored his first Champions League goals for Monaco as they comfortably defeated CSKA Moscow 3-0 at the Stade Louis II.

The Colombian striker returned to the club in the summer after unhappy spells with Manchester United and Chelsea and showed his class on an excellent night for Monaco.

It was Valere Germain who gave the hosts the lead in the 13th minute before Falcao took over, netting twice before half-time.

A hat trick eluded him but the 30-year-old left the pitch to a standing ovation as Monaco remained in control of Group E.

Monaco needed an equaliser to draw 1-1 in the reverse fixture two weeks ago after a goal against them from their on-loan striker Lacina Traore.

He was left out of the starting lineup this time by CSKA boss Leonid Slutski in favour of Carlos Strandberg, while Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim selected attacking full-back Benjamin Mendy.

Only one of those decisions bore fruit, with Mendy a dynamic presence throughout.

The game got off to a false start with the ball having to be replaced shortly after kick-off after going flat.

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There was nothing flat about Monaco, though, and they took the lead 13 minutes in after CSKA failed to clear a free kick. Germain picked up the ball and rounded Igor Akinfeev to slot home.

The goal meant Akinfeev conceded at least once for the 41st consecutive Champions League match.

There was almost an immediate reply for the visitors as Monaco keeper Danijel Subasic gave the ball straight to Zoran Tosic but redeemed himself with a fine low save.

Subasic then made another good save to deny Strandberg but Monaco were a constant threat and they doubled their advantage in the 29th minute.

Mendy was the architect with a fine cross from the left and Falcao had the relatively simple task of nodding it in at the far post.

Four minutes before half-time it was three, this time Germain and Falcao combining well for the Colombian to grab his second.

The CSKA players, with only one win in their last eight games, understandably looked forlorn walking off the pitch.

On the resumption, Falcao set about trying to complete his hat trick with a succession of attempts but none of them seriously threatened Akinfeev's goal.

Traore was sent on in the 63rd minute but could not conjure up more magic against his parent club, and Falcao's quest ended 11 minutes later when he was taken off.

Monaco almost grabbed a fourth with two minutes remaining but Guido Carillo's effort came back off the post.