Paris Saint-Germain reached the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League for the 14th consecutive season after a 2-2 draw against AS Monaco in the second leg. The result eliminated Monaco, the only other Ligue 1 side remaining, despite them being reduced to ten men.
Monaco needed to overturn a first-leg deficit away from home for the first time in European knockout competition on their eighth attempt. They began the game strongly, with Maghnes Akliouche creating an early chance for Mamadou Coulibaly, whose control failed and the ball went over the bar. Thilo Kehrer also headed wide as Monaco threatened to level the aggregate score.
PSG gradually improved, with Bradley Barcola hitting the bar from a tight angle, but their first-half opportunities were limited. Monaco took the lead shortly before half-time. Caio Henrique delivered a cross from the left, which Coulibaly touched on for Akliouche to finish past Matvey Safonov via the post.
The second half saw Monaco’s advantage undone. Coulibaly received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Achraf Hakimi, reducing Monaco to ten men. PSG responded immediately. Désiré Doué advanced along the right flank and crossed for Marquinhos to score. Hakimi then shot from space, with Philipp Köhn spilling the attempt and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia converting the rebound.
PSG maintained control, but Simon Adingra delivered a stoppage-time cross to Jordan Teze, who scored for Monaco. There was insufficient time for a further response, and Monaco’s European campaign ended.
The aggregate result ensures PSG’s progression to the UCL last 16 once again. However, the necessity to overcome a first-leg deficit against a reduced Monaco side in both matches highlights potential challenges for the holders in defending their title.
