The golden boy shines as PSG makes a thrilling comeback against Monaco

Paris Saint-Germain maintains their Champions League title defense by coming back from two goals down to beat AS Monaco 3-2. This victory helps Luis Enrique’s squad extend their run to 16 unbeaten games in the knockout rounds of the Champions League.

For the second consecutive season in the Champions League, PSG faces another French club in the play-off round. However, while Stade Brestois 29 was eliminated with a 0-10 aggregate in the 2024/25 season, Monaco presented a far tougher challenge in the first half this time. In fact, they took less than a minute to score when Folarin Balogun headed home close range from Aleksandr Golovin’s cross at the far post.

That was the third career goal for the American international against the reigning Ligue 1 champions. Shortly after the 15th minute, Balogun completed his brace by finishing past Matvei Sofonov following a through ball from Maghnes Akliouche. The second concession woke PSG up. Just two minutes later, they had a chance to reduce the deficit when Wout Faes fumbled, allowing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to break through one-on-one. However, the Belgian defender fouled him in an attempt to correct the mistake. Still, Vitinha failed to convert the penalty as his shot was saved by Philipp Köhn, enabling Monaco to maintain their two-goal lead.

Nevertheless, PSG gradually regained their rhythm and managed to level the score before halftime. Both goals were executed with great skill. Désiré Doué struck accurately from a tight angle, the ball hitting the post before going in, followed by Achraf Hakimi’s neat finish from the opposite side of the penalty area.

Early in the second half, PSG gained a significant advantage when Golovin was sent off for a high-foot challenge on Vitinha. With a man advantage, the capital club dominated possession but struggled against Monaco’s deep defensive line.

Yet, PSG’s squad quality eventually made the difference. Midway through the second half, Doué completed his brace with a decisive low shot from the edge of the box, putting the visitors ahead. From then on, PSG aimed to close out the tie, while Monaco barely threatened, aside from a long-range shot by Denis Zakaria that missed the target.

In the end, PSG could not add any more goals, leaving the tie still undecided before the second leg at Parc des Princes next week. At that point, Monaco will look for their second win in six meetings against PSG across all competitions, a tough task against the capital club’s strength.