monaco vs psg: Substitute Desire Doue sparks stunning 3-2 Champions League comeback
Paris Saint-Germain overturned a two-goal deficit to beat Monaco 3-2 in the first leg of their Champions League knockout play-off, with 20-year-old substitute Desire Doue scoring twice and playing a decisive role in the equaliser. The visitors left the Stade Louis II with the advantage to take back to Paris after a match that swung wildly in momentum.
Early shock as Balogun double gives Monaco flying start
The contest exploded into life inside the opening minute when Folarin Balogun reacted quickest to a floated cross and nodded Monaco ahead from close range. PSG's problems deepened in the 18th minute when Balogun sprinted clear and slotted past goalkeeper Philipp Kohn for his second of the night, his 10th of the season, putting the hosts in full control.
PSG were handed a chance to claw one back shortly after when Wout Faes brought down Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the box and a penalty was awarded. Vitinha stepped up from the spot but Kohn dived to his right to deny the midfielder, cancelling a potential momentum shift and leaving PSG trailing by two as they searched for a response.
Doue introduced, instant impact and a late red changes the tie
With PSG 2-0 down and Ousmane Dembélé forced off with an apparent injury, Desire Doue was brought on midway through the first half and made an immediate mark. The 20-year-old drilled a low shot in from an acute angle in the 29th minute to halve the deficit and energise the visitors.
Doue's influence continued when his effort from distance was spilled by Kohn and Achraf Hakimi reacted to smash home a half-volley four minutes before half-time to level the match. Seconds after the restart the tie swung again when Aleksandr Golovin was shown a red card following a studs-up challenge that was upgraded from a yellow after the referee reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor. Monaco, reduced to 10 men, were suddenly on the back foot and PSG pressed their advantage.
Second-half control and what it means for the return leg
PSG took full tactical advantage of the extra man in the second half. Warren Zaire-Emery teed up Doue on 67 minutes and the substitute struck a composed shot into the bottom corner to complete his brace and secure a 3-2 lead. The strike marked the first time a PSG substitute had scored two or more goals in a Champions League match since October 2019.
The result hands PSG the slender advantage heading into the return leg in Paris next Wednesday, with momentum firmly shifted after a tumultuous 90 minutes on the Mediterranean coast. Monaco will feel hard done by, having led 2-0 and also surviving the missed penalty that might have changed the complexion of the match earlier.
Key takeaways
PSG demonstrated depth and resilience, with a young substitute turning the tie. Monaco showcased a potent attacking threat through Balogun but were ultimately undone by a moment of indiscipline that cost them a player and the match. The pair will meet again in the return leg with both clubs knowing everything remains to play for in deciding who progresses to the last 16.
