Ten-man Monaco stunned Paris Saint Germain with a dramatic injury-time equalizer, securing a hard-fought 2-2 draw in their UEFA Champions League clash at the Parc des Princes.
Paris Saint Germain surrendered a two-goal lead in a thrilling UEFA Champions League encounter, drawing 2-2 with a resilient Monaco side. Jordan Teze grabbed a dramatic injury-time equalizer, silencing the Parc des Princes crowd in a match filled with twists.
Coming into this crucial Group Stage fixture, Paris Saint Germain aimed to build on their strong start in the competition. Monaco, despite a challenging group campaign, arrived with recent resilience, having drawn three of their last five European outings.
The first half saw Paris Saint Germain dominate possession, controlling 73% of the ball. However, they struggled to convert their control into clear-cut chances against a disciplined Monaco defense.
Monaco, despite their defensive setup, posed a threat on the counter-attack. The match saw its first major incident in the 24th minute when Monaco’s Denis Zakaria received a yellow card for a cynical foul.
Just before the break, Monaco delivered a shock. In the 45th minute, Maghnes Akliouche fired home after an incisive pass from M. Coulibaly. This gave the visitors a surprising 1-0 lead at halftime.
PSG faced an unexpected challenge at the interval. Coach Luis Enrique likely demanded more attacking urgency and composure from his star-studded squad to overturn the deficit.
The second half began with immediate drama. Monaco’s M. Coulibaly, already on a yellow card from the 55th minute, received a second booking for roughing just three minutes later. This led to a red card in the 58th minute, leaving Monaco with ten men.
The numerical advantage quickly paid dividends for PSG. Captain Marquinhos guided home an equalizer in the 60th minute, assisted by Désiré Doué. The Parc des Princes erupted as PSG pushed for a winner.
The turnaround was completed just six minutes later. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a constant threat, slotted home in the 66th minute following a brilliant assist from Achraf Hakimi. PSG looked set to claim all three points.
However, the ten men of Monaco refused to yield. In the first minute of stoppage time, substitute Jordan Teze scored a dramatic equalizer, sending the away bench into raptures. Monaco managed to hold on despite two more late bookings for S. Nibombe and S. Pocognoli.
Despite their numerical disadvantage for much of the second half, Monaco displayed incredible resilience. PSG finished with 73% possession and 21 total shots, but only 6 on target. Monaco, with 27% possession, managed 10 shots, with 4 hitting the target, and out-performed their 1.16 expected goals (xG).
This draw leaves Paris Saint Germain frustrated, missing an opportunity to climb higher in the group standings and solidify their position. Monaco, on the other hand, will celebrate a vital point away from home, boosting their confidence for future Champions League encounters.
