PSG’s Champions League Progress Masked by Lackluster Performance

PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance appears to be waning as they narrowly advanced to the Champions League Round of 16 with a 5-4 aggregate playoff win against AS Monaco. Despite securing their place in the next stage, the performance has raised concerns about their ability to replicate last season’s success.

PSG will face either Chelsea or Barcelona in the Round of 16, following their hard-fought victory over their Ligue 1 rivals. However, their uninspired play against Sebastien Pocognoli’s team suggests they may struggle against tougher competition.

Coulibaly’s Red Card Shifts Momentum

Leading 3-2 from the first leg, PSG conceded an early goal to Maghnes Akliouche in the 45th minute, leveling the aggregate score at 3-3. The match remained tense until Mamadou Coulibaly’s dismissal in the 58th minute, receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, dramatically altered the course of the tie.

Within eight minutes of Coulibaly’s sending off, PSG took the lead on the night through goals from Marquinhos (60th minute) and Kvaratskhelia (66th minute). Jordan Teze scored a late goal for Monaco in stoppage time (90’+1 minute), but it proved insufficient to change the outcome.

A Shadow of Their Former Selves

The victory came at a cost, exposing a lack of vibrancy within the PSG squad compared to their triumphant 2025 campaign. Last year, PSG enjoyed a remarkable run to the Champions League title, defeating Internazionale 5-0 in the final. Their journey included victories over Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal.

Ousmane Dembele’s goalscoring form was a highlight, with key contributions from Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué, João Neves, Vitinha, Achraf Hakimi, and Nuno Mendes. The team drew comparisons to the Barcelona side managed by Luis Enrique that won a treble a decade earlier.

Fatigue and Injuries Accept Their Toll

Luis Enrique’s team appears to be struggling with fatigue and injuries. Dembele and Doué have both faced injury setbacks this season, impacting the team’s overall performance. PSG has already failed to win 15 of their 38 games across all competitions this season, a clear decline from last season’s record of 17 losses in 65 games.

The demanding schedule, including the FIFA Club World Cup last July, may have taken a toll on the players. Some players had limited rest before the start of the season.

Looking Ahead to the Round of 16

Despite the concerns, PSG remains a contender in the Champions League. Dembele and Fabián Ruiz are expected to return to fitness within one to two weeks, potentially bolstering the squad for the Round of 16. With most of the key players from last season still available – the exception being goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who moved to Manchester City – PSG has the potential to make a deep run in the competition.

However, questions remain about whether they can recapture the magic that propelled them to glory last season. The Round of 16 could prove to be a decisive test of their capabilities.