Monaco Make Flying Start
Paris Saint-Germain showed remarkable resilience as they came from two goals down to defeat AS Monaco 3 : 2 in their Champions League play off first leg.
Monaco stunned the defending champions early at the Stade Louis II with Folarin Balogun scoring twice inside the opening 18 minutes. PSG’s problems deepened when Vitinha saw his penalty saved, leaving the visitors facing an uphill task.
Coach Luis Enrique admitted the start was unacceptable and described it as catastrophic. He noted that when a team begins in that manner, defeat is usually the outcome.
Doue Turns the Game Around
The momentum shifted after 20 year old Desire Doue replaced the injured Ousmane Dembele.
Doue delivered an outstanding performance, scoring twice and setting up Achraf Hakimi for the decisive goal. His display was particularly impressive after facing heavy criticism following PSG’s recent league outing.
Luis Enrique praised the youngster’s character and said he was pleased to see him respond in such emphatic fashion.
Advantage but Work Still to Do
Despite the comeback, Luis Enrique warned that the tie remains finely balanced. PSG carry a 3 2 advantage into the second leg at the Parc des Princes, but the coach stressed that the return fixture will present a completely different challenge.
Dembele’s injury will be assessed ahead of the decisive clash in Paris as both Ligue 1 rivals continue their battle for a place in the Champions League knockout rounds.
