English
Español
Paris Saint-Germain secured their place in the Champions League last 16 after a 2-2 draw with AS Monaco in the second leg of their knockout round play-off tie.
Holding an aggregate advantage from the first leg, PSG did enough over the two matches to progress despite being pushed hard at the Parc des Princes.
Monaco began with intent and were rewarded just before the break.
Mamadou Coulibaly slipped a precise pass into the path of Maghnes Akliouche, who finished first time into the bottom corner via the post to give the visitors the lead on the night.
The goal levelled the tie and underlined Monaco’s positive approach.
PSG had threatened earlier through Bradley Barcola, whose effort struck the crossbar from a tight angle, but the hosts struggled to impose sustained control in the opening half.
The turning point arrived shortly before the hour mark. Coulibaly, already on a booking, was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge on Achraf Hakimi, reducing Monaco to ten men.
PSG capitalised almost immediately. Desire Doue advanced down the right and delivered a low cross that was turned home by Marquinhos from close range to restore parity on the night.
The holders began to dominate territory and possession with the extra man advantage. Their pressure told again in the 66th minute.
Hakimi’s powerful effort was parried by Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Kohn, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia reacted quickest to convert the rebound from inside the box.
PSG were in control of the tie, but Monaco refused to fade completely. Deep into stoppage time, Jordan Teze collected a loose ball in the area and fired into the bottom corner to make it 2-2.
The late equaliser added drama but did not alter the outcome. PSG’s aggregate lead remained intact, ensuring their qualification for the knockout stage for a 14th consecutive season.
The holders now await their next opponents in the last 16, with the ambition of defending their European crown still firmly alive.