UCL: PSG Comes From 2-0 Down To Beat Monaco

PSG completes epic comeback vs Monaco

PSG recovers from 2-0 down to defeat Monaco 3-2 in Champions League playoff round. Desire Doue scores twice as PSG turns 2-0 deficit into in UCL playoff.

Les Parisiens found their groove, leveling the game by halftime...

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) completed an epic comeback to beat AS Monaco 3-2 in the Champions League playoff first leg, recovering from a two-goal deficit. This keeps PSG unbeaten in 16 UCL knockout games under Luis Enrique. PSG faced a French team for the second consecutive campaign in the playoff round. Desire Doue was the hero, scoring two goals and assisting Achraf Hakimi for the equalizer. Folarin Balogun had put Monaco 2-0 up at halftime.

However, while Stade Brestois 29 were brushed aside by an aggregate score of 10-0 in 2024/25, Monaco provided a much more challenging test in the first half here.

In fact, they required fewer than 60 seconds to break the deadlock when Folarin Balogun headed home unmarked from Alexsandr Golovin’s cross to the back post.

Folarin Balogun was on fire, scoring his fourth goal against PSG, doubling Monaco's lead in the 15th minute.

PSG shook off the slumber, creating a great chance to pull one back just two minutes later. 

Wout Faes’ lack of composure in possession allowed Kvara Kvaratskhelia to nip in front of him and bare down on goal, and he was only prevented from firing off a shot when he was felled by the Belgium international in a desperate attempt to atone for his error. 

Nevertheless, the subsequent penalty from Vitinha was kept out by Phillip Köhn to keep the hosts’ two-goal lead intact.

Les Parisiens found their groove, leveling the game by halftime. Desire Doue scored a pinpoint goal, followed by Achraf Hakimi's clinical finish.

Almost immediately after the restart, PSG received a significant boost as they looked to complete the turnaround when Golovin was sent off following a high challenge on Vitinha.

As a result, Enrique’s men dominated possession and territory, but struggled to create as many chances against a Monaco side now sitting deep in their own third to avoid going behind

Quality told, and PSG completed the comeback. Doue scored the winner, hammering it into the bottom corner.

Doué leads Paris to victory.#UCL pic.twitter.com/qHkXP7LwmK

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 17, 2026

From that point onwards, the visitors’ clear objective was to try and put the tie to bed, with Monaco effectively unable to get into the opposite half besides when Denis Zakaria shot narrowly wide from distance. 

Ultimately, though, the away team could not extend their lead, meaning the clash remains alive ahead of next week’s second leg at the Parc des Princes.

Les Monegasques face an uphill task, needing to beat PSG for just the second time in six meetings.

🔄 Subbed on
⚽ Two goals
🅰️ One assist #UCL | #POTM pic.twitter.com/Gttw1Ieugw

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 17, 2026