PSG comeback win over Monaco sees Desire Doue inspire 3-2 Champions League victory after Folarin Balogun’s early double

Paris Saint-Germain recovered from a disastrous start to secure a stirring 3-2 victory over AS Monaco in the first leg of their Champions League knockout phase play-off at the Stade Louis II on Tuesday, 18 February 2026.

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United States international Folarin Balogun stunned the reigning European champions by opening the scoring after just 55 seconds before doubling Monaco’s lead in the 18th minute, leaving Luis Enrique’s side reeling in the principality.

Balogun’s first came from close range after meeting a cross from Aleksandr Golovin, marking the fastest goal Paris Saint-Germain have ever conceded in European competition.

The striker then combined neatly with Maghnes Akliouche before racing through to finish beyond goalkeeper Matvei Safonov.

The PSG comeback win over Monaco looked improbable when Vitinha had a penalty saved by Philipp Koehn after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was brought down in the area.

Matters worsened for the visitors when last year’s Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele limped off injured before the half-hour mark.

Yet Dembele’s withdrawal proved pivotal. His replacement, Desire Doue, transformed the contest within minutes.

Barely two minutes after entering the fray, Doue controlled a pass from Bradley Barcola inside the box before drilling a precise left-footed strike into the far corner to reduce the deficit.

He was central again as the equaliser arrived four minutes before the interval, his effort parried by Koehn and converted on the rebound by Achraf Hakimi.

Monaco’s evening unravelled at the start of the second half when Golovin was shown a red card following a VAR review of his challenge on Vitinha, leaving the hosts to battle with ten men.

Paris Saint-Germain capitalised decisively. Warren Zaire-Emery teed up Doue, who calmly slotted home in the 67th minute to complete a breathtaking turnaround and seal the PSG comeback win over Monaco.

The result keeps the tie finely balanced ahead of next Wednesday’s return leg in Paris, though PSG will now regard themselves as strong favourites to progress to the last 16.

Monaco, who had previously held Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus at home during the league phase, will take solace in trailing by only a single goal despite playing much of the second half a man short.

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For PSG, the victory restores momentum after last weekend’s domestic setback and underlines the depth and resilience that continue to define Luis Enrique’s side on the European stage.