PSG Overcome Early Deficit to Beat Monaco 3-2 in Champions League Playoff First Leg

Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain battled to a 3-2 scoreline in the first leg of their Champions League knockout phase play-off tie on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Stade Louis II. Despite falling behind to two early goals from Folarin Balogun, Paris Saint-Germain mounted a comeback fueled by a brace from Désiré Doué and a goal from Achraf Hakimi.

Early Monaco Dominance

Monaco stunned PSG with a quick start, taking the lead within the first minute. Folarin Balogun headed in a cross from Aleksandr Golovin to provide the hosts a 1-0 advantage (AP News). Balogun doubled Monaco’s lead in the 18th minute, slotting the ball past PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov for his 10th goal of the season (Yahoo Sports).

PSG Responds with Doué and Hakimi

PSG was given an opportunity to pull one back when Wout Faes fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, earning a penalty. Yet, Vitinha’s penalty was saved by Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Köhn (BBC Sport). The Parisians didn’t let the miss deter them, as substitute Désiré Doué scored just minutes after entering the game in the 29th minute, drilling a shot in off the post (BBC Sport). Achraf Hakimi then leveled the score in the 41st minute with a half-volley, making it 2-2 before halftime (BBC Sport).

Doué Secures the Win, Golovin Sent Off

The second half saw a turning point as Aleksandr Golovin received a red card in the 48th minute for a dangerous challenge on Vitinha (Yahoo Sports). With the man advantage, PSG continued to press, and Doué scored the winning goal in the 67th minute after a collective team movement (Yahoo Sports).

Looking Ahead

PSG will carry a 3-2 lead into the second leg at Parc des Princes, where they will aim to secure their place in the Champions League round of 16. The return leg is scheduled for Wednesday. (Yahoo Sports)