What Happened
In a thrilling encounter, holders Paris St-Germain (PSG) defeated 10-man AS Monaco to secure their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League. The match took place during the second leg of the play-off, where Monaco initially took the lead just before half-time with a goal from Maghnes Akliouche, who found the bottom corner after a precise pass from Mamadou Coulibaly.
The dynamics of the match shifted dramatically when Coulibaly was sent off shortly after the hour mark for a foul on Achraf Hakimi, having already received a yellow card just three minutes earlier. PSG capitalized on this advantage, equalizing through Marquinhos shortly thereafter, who scored from a low cross delivered by Désiré Doué.
Georgia winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia sealed the victory for PSG in the 66th minute, scoring from close range after Monaco’s goalkeeper Philipp Kohn parried Hakimi’s strike. Although Jordan Teze managed to score a consolation goal for Monaco in stoppage time, it was not enough to change the outcome.
Why It Matters
This victory is significant for PSG as they continue their defense of the Champions League title, showcasing their resilience and depth despite missing key players due to injuries, including Ousmane Dembélé. The match highlighted the impact of player discipline, as Monaco’s red card proved pivotal in altering the course of the game.
Additionally, PSG’s performance reinforces their status as a formidable contender in European football, with players like Désiré Doué emerging as crucial assets capable of influencing match outcomes. The defeat for Monaco raises questions about their ability to compete at this level, especially given their inability to maintain composure under pressure.
What’s Next
Following this victory, PSG will advance to the knockout stage of the Champions League, where they will face either Chelsea or Barcelona, with the draw scheduled for Friday at 11:00 GMT. As the competition intensifies, PSG will aim to build on this momentum and address any weaknesses exposed during the match against Monaco.
