PSG Survive Monaco Scare to Secure Last-16 Spot in Champions League Thriller

The defending champions, Paris Saint-Germain, secured their spot in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League with a thrilling 2-2 draw against AS Monaco, winning 5-4 on aggregate in a high-stakes knockout play-off match at the Parc des Princes.

The draw ensured that PSG qualified for the UEFA Champions League, but the champions had to wait until the final whistle to celebrate their passage through the competition after a spirited performance by 10-man Monaco.

Monaco strike first and threaten a major upset

The visitors started the match with confidence and were rewarded just before the half-time break. Young attacking prospect Maghnes Akliouche finished the chance clinically after being set through by Mamadou Coulibaly, giving Monaco a fully deserved lead that momentarily threatened to upset PSG's aggregate advantage.

Monaco could have scored more goals earlier, and their high-intensity pressing left the home side reeling throughout the first 45 minutes. PSG was seen struggling to dictate the pace of the match. However, Monaco repeatedly caught them open and forced the home side into hurried defensive clearances.

Red card changed the direction of the tie

The turning point came moments before the end of the first half. Mamadou Coulibaly, who had already been booked, saw a second yellow card for a late tackle on Achraf Hakimi, leaving Monaco with 10 men and turning the tie on its head.

PSG pounced immediately. During the ensuing spell of pressure, captain Marquinhos appeared out of nowhere in the box, turning a low cross into the net to level the score and put the champions firmly in charge of the tie once again.

The equalizer certainly raised the spirits of the home fans and seemed to give the players a confidence boost, with Monaco being forced to park the bus from then on.

Kvaratskhelia delivers the knockout blow

Only six minutes later, PSG scored again, this time through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian winger was quickest to react to a parried low attempt by Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Köhn, who could only palm the shot into his path, scoring from close range to put the champions firmly in charge of the tie once again.

The goal proved to be the decisive one, giving PSG a two-goal advantage on aggregate and allowing them to see out the rest of the tie with greater composure.

What this means for PSG and the Round of 16 draw

This win keeps PSG’s hopes in the Champions League alive, but this display will serve as a reminder to the head coach and fans that there is room for improvement, especially in managing matches before critical moments such as red cards.

The defending champions will next face either Chelsea FC or FC Barcelona in the Round of 16, with the draw set to take place on Friday.

For AS Monaco, this will be a night to remember as a near-choking experience. For PSG, this will serve as a wake-up call. They will be on alert that there are no easy draws in European knockout competitions, even for the champions.

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