PSG dashed hopes, showcased their strength

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) showcased remarkable resilience on Tuesday night, overturning an early deficit to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over AS Monaco in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie.

The French champions found themselves in deep trouble within the opening moments, conceding a goal before the match had even reached one minute. A second strike from Folarin Balogun in the 18th minute appeared to put PSG on the back foot. However, the team gradually regained composure and mounted an impressive comeback, scoring three unanswered goals to leave Monaco stunned on their home turf.

Djené Doué proved the star of the night for PSG, netting twice, while Achraf Hakimi contributed the crucial equaliser before Doué’s second-half strike sealed the win. Despite the rocky start, PSG dominated possession for 73% of the match and produced 29 shots in total, 12 of which were on target, underlining their attacking intent and tactical control under coach Luis Enrique.

Key Match Events

The match began disastrously for PSG as a defensive lapse allowed Balogun to strike almost immediately. By the 18th minute, Monaco’s second goal increased the pressure. Adding to their woes, PSG lost Ousmane Dembélé to an injury shortly afterwards. Yet, Doué responded within two minutes of his introduction, reducing the deficit. Hakimi’s precise strike before half-time restored parity, energising the French side.

The second half saw Monaco reduced to ten men following Aleksandr Golovin’s red card, which effectively tipped the balance in PSG’s favour. Doué’s 67th-minute finish crowned a stirring comeback, confirming PSG’s advantage ahead of the second leg.

Elsewhere in Champions League action, Juventus suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat to Galatasaray, leaving the Italian side with a daunting task ahead of the return fixture scheduled for Wednesday night.

PSG’s performance underlined both their character and quality, keeping their European ambitions very much alive despite an alarming start. The return leg promises to be an electrifying encounter, with PSG entering it with the psychological advantage.