Hvana, February 26 (RHC) – Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) continues to defend its Champions League title after eliminating Monaco in the second leg of the play-offs, despite the 2-2 scoreline.
In a packed and fervent Parc des Princes, with nearly 50,000 seats filled with fans, the Parisian home side found themselves trailing after Maghnes Akliouche’s goal just before halftime, a strike that momentarily leveled the tie after the 3-2 first-leg victory. However, captain Marquinhos equalized in the 60th minute with an assist from Khivicha Kvaratskhelia, sending Paris into raptures.
Before the veteran Brazilian center-back’s equalizer, Monaco had seen their fortunes turn against them when Mamadou Coulibaly was sent off for a second yellow card, a turning point in a match that had been very exciting and featured a remarkable performance from the visitors against the heavy favorites.
As early as the 66th minute, Kvaratskhelia tapped the ball into the back of the net, capitalizing on a rebound from goalkeeper Philipp Köhn, to make it 2-1. The die was cast for Monaco, a worthy opponent of PSG until they lost a key player.
In stoppage time, Jordan Teze scored to make it 2-2, giving Monaco hope, but the final whistle and the final whistle soon followed.
In the round of 16, the Champions League winners will face either Barcelona or Chelsea, depending on Friday’s draw.
