In a nail-biting UEFA Champions League playoff clash at Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain secured their spot in the round of 16 with a thrilling 2-2 draw against AS Monaco, clinching a 5-4 aggregate victory. The tension was palpable until the final whistle, as both teams pushed relentlessly for supremacy.
Monaco struck first in the dying moments of the first half, with Magnes Akliouche unleashing a stunning strike to give the visitors the lead. The momentum shifted dramatically in the second half when Monaco’s Mamadou Koulibaly received his second yellow card, reducing his side to ten men. PSG capitalized on the numerical advantage, as captain Marquinhos rose highest to head home Desire Doué’s pinpoint cross, leveling the scores.
Moments later, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia pounced on a rebound to put PSG ahead, sending the home crowd into ecstasy. Substitute Jordan Teze pulled one back for Monaco in extra time, keeping the aggregate tie alive until the end. But PSG held firm, advancing with grit and determination.
Coach Luis Enrique reflected post-match, ‘We deserved to qualify, but it was tough all the way. If there’s one team used to adversity, it’s us. Our group was the toughest, facing sides like Qarabag or Monaco—and it was Monaco. Now, Chelsea and Barcelona await, both elite teams. We’re ready; we thrive in these battles.’
Elsewhere, Galatasaray showcased incredible resilience, defeating Juventus in extra time to progress 7-5 on aggregate. Trailing 3-0 from the first leg, the Turkish giants refused to yield. Juventus suffered a blow when Lloyd Kelly was sent off, yet Manuel Locatelli’s penalty and Federico Gatti’s goal kept them in contention. Weston McKennie equalized at 5-5, but Jeremy Boga missed a golden chance. Victor Osimhen and Baris Alper Yilmaz sealed Galatasaray’s heroic comeback in extra time.