Wed Feb 25 20:10:00 UTC 2026: ### PSG Advances to Champions League Round of 16 After Tense Victory Over Monaco

The Story:
Paris Saint-Germain secured their place in the Champions League Round of 16 with a dramatic 2-2 draw against AS Monaco in the second leg of their playoff tie on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, winning 5-4 on aggregate. The match, played at Parc des Princes, saw Monaco take the lead through a goal from Maghnes Akliouche just before halftime. However, a red card for Monaco’s Mamadou Coulibaly in the 59th minute proved pivotal, shifting the momentum in PSG’s favor.

PSG capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Marquinhos equalizing from the resulting free kick and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scoring six minutes later. Jordan Teze’s late equalizer for Monaco was not enough to prevent PSG from advancing. The victory sets up a high-profile Round of 16 clash against either Chelsea or Barcelona.

Key Points:

  • PSG drew 2-2 with Monaco in the second leg of their Champions League playoff, winning 5-4 on aggregate.
  • Mamadou Coulibaly received a second yellow card in the 59th minute, changing the course of the match.
  • Marquinhos equalized from the subsequent free kick, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia put PSG ahead.
  • Maghnes Akliouche scored for Monaco, potentially boosting his chances for a World Cup spot.
  • Achraf Hakimi played despite facing a trial in a rape case.
  • PSG will face either Chelsea or Barcelona in the Round of 16.

Critical Analysis:
The historical context highlights the pre-match tension and Monaco’s potential to upset PSG. The articles emphasize Monaco’s strong performance in the first leg and Luis Enrique’s warning that the tie was far from over. This suggests that PSG were wary of Monaco’s capabilities, and Coulibaly’s red card was a critical turning point that prevented Monaco from capitalizing on their earlier dominance.

Key Takeaways:

  • Discipline is paramount in high-stakes Champions League matches; Coulibaly’s red card cost Monaco dearly.
  • PSG demonstrated resilience and tactical flexibility to overcome Monaco’s initial lead.
  • Maghnes Akliouche’s performance has positioned him as a potential asset for the French national team.
  • The pressure of defending a Champions League title can be immense, as evidenced by PSG’s jittery performance before the red card.
  • The upcoming Round of 16 match against either Chelsea or Barcelona will be a significant test of PSG’s title defense.

Impact Analysis:

  • Short-Term: PSG advances in the Champions League, maintaining their status as a top European club and increasing their chances of retaining the title. This victory also provides a morale boost for the team and its supporters.
  • Medium-Term: The outcome could affect the player transfer market, with clubs potentially showing increased interest in Akliouche. The Champions League draw will heavily impact PSG’s path to the final.
  • Long-Term: This match could be remembered as a pivotal moment in PSG’s Champions League campaign, showcasing their ability to overcome adversity and capitalize on opponents’ mistakes. It also highlights the growing talent within the French national team pool.

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