Trailing 2-0, quickly deprived of Dembélé and failing from the penalty spot, PSG turned the game around to beat Monaco (3-2) in a completely wild first-leg playoff clash. Lifted by a decisive impact from substitute Doué and numerically superior after Golovin’s red card, the Parisians take a precious advantage before the return leg at the Parc des Princes.
PSG won 3-2 away at Monaco after a dramatic turnaround. It was a disastrous start with two quick goals from Balogun, a major defensive mistake, and then a missed penalty from Vitinha. Dembélé, struggling physically, was forced off in the 25th minute. Doué’s introduction changed everything: Paris dominated possession, pulled one back, and equalized before halftime through Hakimi (2-2).
Doué’s Impact and the Turning Point
After the break, Monaco went down to ten men following Golovin’s red card. PSG controlled the match without overexerting themselves and eventually made the difference, with Doué scoring his second goal in the 67th minute. Paris secured a narrow but valuable lead ahead of the return match in Paris.
PSG player ratings: Safonov — 6: Beaten twice very early and poorly protected, but made an important save against Zakaria and delivered a solid performance overall. Hakimi — 7.5: Very active, scored the equalizer and contributed to the winning goal, with constant attacking impact. Marquinhos — 4.5: Major error on Monaco’s second goal and a generally shaky display despite improvement later. Pacho — 6: Solid overall, strong in duels after the early difficult spell. Nuno Mendes — 5: Misplaced cross-field ball on the opener, quieter than usual.
Vitinha — 5: Missed a penalty, useful in controlling play but less incisive than usual. Zaïre-Emery — 7: Very active, dangerous forward runs, assist for Doué’s goal, huge work rate. João Neves — 6.5: Accurate, available between the lines, several dangerous shots. Kvaratskhelia — 6.5: Strong dribbles, created differences, won the penalty, constant threat. Barcola — 6: Lively, created gaps, big late chance, later replaced by Ramos. Dembélé — not rated: went off injured early. Substitutes — Doué 9: Game-changing cameo with two goals, dribbles, and dangerous crosses, turned the match almost single-handedly. Lee Kang-in — 6: Good technical contribution and helped manage the game. Ramos — 5.5: Few touches but useful in holding the ball late on.
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