Paris Saint-Germain Triumph in Monaco Inspired by Five-Star Display From Desire Doue

Paris Saint-Germain produced a stirring comeback to defeat AS Monaco in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off, overturning a two-goal deficit with a scintillating performance from Désiré Doué at the Stade Louis II.

Nightmare Start for PSG

The evening began disastrously for the visitors. After just 55 seconds, Folarin Balogun headed Monaco into the lead from close range following a precise cross by Aleksandr Golovin, beating goalkeeper Matvey Safonov (1–0, 1’).

Monaco doubled their advantage in the 18th minute, with Balogun completing his brace after capitalising on hesitant defending, finishing clinically with his right foot (2–0, 18’).

PSG were handed a lifeline shortly afterwards when Wout Faes erred defensively, allowing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to win a penalty. However, Vitinha failed to convert from the spot (22’), marking PSG’s fourth missed penalty in their last five Champions League outings.

Doué Changes the Game

With Ousmane Dembele struggling and evidently short of full fitness, head coach Luis Enrique introduced Doué in the 26th minute — a decision that proved decisive.

Just three minutes after entering the fray, Doué produced a moment of individual brilliance, firing a sudden left-footed strike beyond Philipp Kohn to halve the deficit (2–1, 29’).

He was instrumental again before the interval. His powerful effort was parried by Köhn into the path of Achraf Hakimi, who levelled from close range in the 41st minute (2–2).

Numerical Advantage and Clinical Finish

PSG seized control early in the second half when Golovin was dismissed for a challenge on Vitinha (48’), handing the visitors a numerical advantage.

Doué, who had faced criticism in recent days, responded emphatically. The French international restored PSG’s lead in the 67th minute with another precise left-footed finish (2–3), completing his brace and capping a remarkable personal display.

It marked Doué’s third Champions League brace for PSG, following previous doubles against Inter in the final and Bayer Leverkusen last October. His three decisive contributions ensured he was the undisputed man of the match.

Advantage, But Work Still to Do

Despite their dominance against ten men, PSG were unable to extend their advantage further and arguably missed the opportunity to put the tie beyond doubt.

Nevertheless, the victory places the reigning European champions in a commanding position ahead of next week’s return leg at the Parc des Princes. As was the case last season against Brest, PSG secured a first-leg advantage in the play-offs and now aim to confirm a 14th consecutive qualification for the Champions League round of 16.