Soccer
Paris Saint-Germain showing signs of their old selves ahead of return Champions League showdown with Monaco
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Holders Paris Saint-Germain recovered from a shocking start to win 3-2 at Monaco in the first leg of their Champions League play-off last Tuesday.
Heading into Wednesday’s second leg in the French capital, DAZN News reporter Ross Heppenstall sets the scene for a tie which remains on a knife-edge.
An early wobble in the Principality
The first leg of the Champions League play-offs produced some major shocks last week as Galatasaray thumped Juventus 5-2 and Bodø/Glimt beat Inter Milan 3-1.
And eyebrows were also raised across Europe when Monaco stormed into an early two-goal lead against Ligue 1 rivals PSG at the Stade Louis-II.
Folarin Balogun scored twice inside 18 minutes before Luis Enrique’s men came storming back.
Vitinha missed a penalty for PSG, but substitute Desire Doue scored twice, either side of a strike by Achraf Hakimi to seal a thrilling win.
Doue’s match-winning display saw him become the first PSG substitute to score two or more goals in a Champions League match since October 2019.
Enrique hailed the result as a victory for fan power as the travelling supporters helped to inspire his side’s fightback.
The PSG boss said: “I have never seen a fanbase, ever, ever, neither as a coach nor as a player, like that of Paris Saint-Germain.
“We were losing 2-0, and only our fans were singing. They give us a lot of credit and we dedicate the victory to them because without them, it would have been impossible.”
Home comforts fuelling Les Parisiens’ challenge for silverware
Paris Saint-Germain beat Metz 3-0 at home on Saturday to reclaim their place at the Ligue 1 summit.
The success saw them set a new club record of seven successive home league victories, much to the delight of Enrique.
The PSG boss said: “It’s down to the players. I didn’t know about it, but someone told me after the match.
“But the important thing is not to break records, we broke a lot of them last year.
“What’s important is winning trophies. That’s what motivates us, that’s what we want.”
Ominously, Enrique spoke of his belief that PSG are ready to hit top gear as they approach the business end of the campaign.
He added: “We’re in the best moment of the season, the most important moment.
“We’re happy to be here again and we hope to improve our level even more.”
Dembele remains a cause for concern
Although PSG go into the second in leg in Paris as firm favourites to progress, Ousmane Dembele could again be missing.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, who registered 35 goals and 14 assists during the 2024/25 season, was substituted after 27 minutes and with PSG trailing 2-0 to Monaco last week.
Dembele was given the nod to spearhead the attack, with Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia flanking him, but he was forced off with a knock.
The 28-year-old subsequently missed the win over Metz and Enrique said: “For Ousmane, it was a blow.
“We don't want to take any risks with the players, but injuries are part of top-level football.
“The difference between this season and the last two is the number of injuries.
“It prevents us from rotating the squad and has an impact on playing time, so we have to manage it differently.
“This season is very unusual, but we have to deal with it.”
Dembele caused a recent stir when he accused his team-mates of lacking desire after PSG’s 3-1 defeat at Rennes on February 13.
That earned him a stern rebuke from Enrique but the reigning French and European champions could again be missing Dembele for their return clash against Monaco.
Goncalo Ramos spearheaded PSG’s attack during Saturday’s win over Metz and could take centre stage again when Monaco visit the French capital on Wednesday.
The former Benfica man, 24, netted against Metz to end a run of seven games without a goal.
Getty Images
Teenage talent rising to prominence
Warren Zaïre-Emery is only 19 but is already being something of a superstar.
The academy product and France midfielder became the club’s youngest-ever played when he made his debut in August 2022 as a 16-year-old.
He has since gone from strength to strength and Enrique said after Saturday’s win over Metz: “Warren has changed but it's not thanks to me, it's thanks to him.
“He's an incredible player; he can play anywhere. For me, as a coach, it's wonderful to have a player like him.”
Full Champions League fixture list for knockout play-offs second leg
Tuesday, 24 February
- Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge
- Bayer Leverkusen vs Olympiakos
- Inter Milan vs Bodo/Glimt
- Newcastle Uinted vs Qarabag
Wednesday, 25 February
- Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund
- Juventus vs Galatasaray
- Paris Saint-Germain vs Monaco
- Real Madrid vs Benfica
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Soccer fans in the US can watch PSG vs Monaco in the Champions League in Spanish language as part of their DAZN subscription package.
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How to watch the Champions League in New Zealand on DAZN
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How to watch the Champions League in Canada on DAZN
Watch every game of the Champions League this season in Canada with a DAZN subscription.
There are three subscription options, each offering a different selection of sports. Access to every Champions League match is included in all three package offerings, ranging from $29.99 to $44.99 per month (for 12 months)
