Key Takeaways:
- Paris Saint-Germain secured a place in the Champions League last 16 for the 14th consecutive season with a 2-2 second-leg draw against AS Monaco
- AS Monaco were reduced to 10 men when Mamadou Coulibaly received a second yellow card shortly after half-time
- PSG allowed Monaco to come back into the match after leading 2-1 and being with a man more
Match Overview
Holders Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 for the fourteenth time in succession, following a 2-2 second-leg draw with AS Monaco. The result saw PSG eliminate the only other Ligue 1 side left in the tournament. Despite the stalemate, the Parisian giants progressed courtesy of the aggregate scoreline.
INTO THE ROUND OF 16! ❤️💙#PSGASM 2️⃣-2️⃣ I #UCL pic.twitter.com/C25GCbZyLI
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) February 25, 2026
First-Half Action
Monaco, tasked with overcoming a first-leg deficit away from home in European knockout competition for the eighth time, began the encounter brightly and nearly levelled the aggregate score inside the opening ten minutes. Maghnes Akliouche skilfully sliced through the PSG defence, presenting a chance for Mamadou Coulibaly, whose effort unfortunately sailed over the bar.
Thilo Kehrer came close shortly after, heading wide as Monaco maintained their early attacking momentum. PSG responded gradually, with a strike from Bradley Barcola that rattled the woodwork from a tight angle. However, Monaco’s pressure was finally rewarded just before the interval, as Caio Henrique delivered a pinpoint cross for Coulibaly, whose touch found Akliouche. The latter calmly finished past Matvey Safonov, his shot ricocheting off the post into the net.
Turning Point: Coulibaly’s Red Card
The contest shifted significantly early in the second half. The architect of Monaco’s opener, Mamadou Coulibaly, was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge on Achraf Hakimi. PSG capitalised on their numerical advantage almost immediately. Désiré Doué advanced along the right byline and squared the ball for Marquinhos, who made no mistake from close range.
Shortly thereafter, Hakimi exploited space in the Monaco area, unleashing a shot that Philipp Köhn spilled, allowing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to pounce and score from the rebound.
Late Drama and Final Whistle
PSG appeared set to see out the result comfortably, but Monaco managed a stoppage-time response. Simon Adingra’s cross was met by Jordan Teze, who slotted home beyond Safonov to set up a tense finish. Nevertheless, time ran out for Monaco as their Champions League journey came to a close.
Despite progressing to the last 16 once more, PSG’s need to overturn deficits against 10 men in both legs may raise concerns regarding their consistency in pursuit of successive European titles.
Key Match Statistics
| PSG | AS Monaco |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2 |
