5 French Triumphs ASM Must Emulate Before Battling PSG

AS Monaco faces a challenging match against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Parc des Princes this Wednesday evening. After a narrow 2-3 loss at home, Monaco must rise to the occasion to secure their spot in the Champions League round of 16. To achieve this, they can draw inspiration from five impressive comebacks by French teams in European competitions. Let’s explore these historical triumphs that showcase the resilience and tactical prowess of French football.

Five French Triumphs to Emulate

1. AS Monaco vs. Real Madrid (2004)

In an unforgettable quarter-final match of the Champions League, Monaco faced Real Madrid after losing the first leg 4-2. With the odds stacked against them, Monaco turned the tables in the return leg with a 3-1 victory. Goals from Ludovic Giuly and Fernando Morientes allowed them to eliminate the formidable Galacticos, marking a significant moment in club history.

2. Olympique de Marseille vs. RB Leipzig (2018)

In the Europa League, Marseille bounced back after a 1-0 defeat in Leipzig. They showcased their determination in the return leg at the Vélodrome, overcoming an early setback. Quickly, they stormed back with goals from Florian Thauvin and Dimitri Payet, sealing a remarkable 5-2 win and securing a place in the semi-finals.

3. AS Monaco vs. Manchester City (2017)

During the Champions League quarter-finals, Monaco had previously lost 5-3 in the first leg to Manchester City. However, in a thrilling second leg, Kylian Mbappé scored early, setting the tone for a fervent comeback. With a final score of 3-1, Monaco advanced to the semi-finals, showcasing their attacking prowess.

4. Paris Saint-Germain vs. FC Barcelona (2024)

In a dramatic quarter-final encounter, PSG looked to overturn a 3-2 first-leg defeat against Barcelona. Early challenges arose when Barcelona’s Raphinha scored, but a red card for Ronald Araujo shifted the momentum. PSG capitalized on this advantage, winning 4-1 and demonstrating the potential for French teams to thrive under pressure.

5. Bordeaux vs. AC Milan (1996)

Bordeaux faced a daunting situation in the UEFA Cup, having lost 2-0 to AC Milan in the first match. However, Didier Tholot’s early goal galvanized the team, and the Zidane-Dugarry duo delivered a stunning performance. Bordeaux won 3-0 in the second leg, completing a remarkable turnaround that remains a highlight in French football history.

These historical comebacks exemplify the grit and determination of French teams during high-stakes matches. As AS Monaco prepares for their crucial game against PSG, they can take confidence from these inspiring victories, proving that with resilience and strategic play, anything is possible in football.