Key Takeaways:
- Paris Saint-Germain came from two goals down to defeat AS Monaco 3-2 in the UEFA Champions League play-off round
- Desire Doue scored twice, including the decisive winner, while Folarin Balogun netted both of Monaco’s goals
- PSG have now extended their unbeaten run in Champions League knockout matches under Luis Enrique to 16 games
Match Analysis
Paris Saint-Germain demonstrated remarkable resilience as they overturned a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-2 victory against AS Monaco in the Champions League, solidifying their status as reigning champions. With this result, PSG have maintained an impressive unbeaten streak of 16 knockout matches in Europe’s premier competition under the stewardship of Luis Enrique.
Much like their previous campaign, PSG faced a fellow French outfit in the play-off round. Whereas Brest were dispatched 10-0 on aggregate in the 2024/25 season, Monaco provided a considerably sterner challenge during the opening half.
What a COMEBACK. 🔥👏#UCL (2-3) pic.twitter.com/U4ZxhUpEnL
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) February 17, 2026
Early Shock: Balogun’s Double
It took less than a minute for AS Monaco to stun the Ligue 1 champions. Folarin Balogun was on hand to head in Alexandr Golovin’s delivery to the far post, giving Monaco the lead with only seconds played. This marked Balogun’s third career goal against PSG, and he soon added a fourth in the 16th minute. After latching onto a Maghnes Akliouche through ball, Balogun found the net once more, beating Matvei Sofonov to double Monaco’s advantage.
PSG’s Response Before the Break
PSG were quickly jolted into action. In the 18th minute, Wout Faes lost possession to Kvara Kvaratskhelia, who surged towards goal but was upended by the Belgian defender. Despite the promising opportunity, Vitinha’s subsequent penalty was denied by Phillip Kohn, preserving Monaco’s two-goal cushion.
However, Enrique’s side soon found their rhythm. Desire Doue reduced the deficit with a precise finish off the post from a sharp angle, before Achraf Hakimi drew PSG level with a similarly clinical effort from the opposite flank, ensuring the first half closed at 2-2.
Turning Point and Decisive Moment
Monaco’s situation worsened almost immediately after the break when Alexandr Golovin was dismissed for a high challenge on Vitinha. This red card saw PSG monopolise possession, but Monaco’s defensive deep line made further breakthroughs difficult for the visitors.
Midway through the second period, PSG’s persistence paid off. Doue, who was outstanding throughout, struck fiercely into the bottom corner from just inside the area, giving his side the lead for the first time in the match.
From then on, PSG pressed for a fourth, but Monaco remained organised, offering little at the other end aside from a long-range Denis Zakaria effort that narrowly missed the target. Despite PSG’s dominance, they were unable to further extend their advantage before the final whistle.
Match Statistics
| Team | Score | Goal scorers | Red Cards | Penalties Missed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS Monaco | 2 | Folarin Balogun (2) | Alexandr Golovin | – |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 3 | Desire Doue (2), Achraf Hakimi | – | Vitinha |
Looking Ahead
Despite falling behind early, PSG’s attacking quality and superior numbers ultimately proved decisive in this entertaining encounter. Monaco, meanwhile, must now regroup ahead of the decisive second leg at Parc des Princes next week, seeking only their second victory over the Parisian giants in six attempts across all competitions.
