Paris, February 26: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has advanced to the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League after drawing 2-2 with AS Monaco in the second leg of the playoff, securing a 5-4 aggregate victory. The thrilling match took place at PSG’s home ground, Parc des Princes, and kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Monaco started aggressively, taking the lead just before halftime with a stunning goal from Magnes Akliuche. The momentum shifted in the second half when Monaco’s Mamadou Koulibaly received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving the visitors with ten players.
PSG’s captain, Marquinhos, equalized with a goal from a cross by Désiré Doué. Shortly after, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored from a rebound, giving PSG a brief lead. However, substitute Jordan Teze leveled the match again during stoppage time, adding to the excitement. Ultimately, PSG managed to maintain their aggregate lead and progressed to the next round.
PSG’s coach, Luis Enrique, commented, “We deserved to qualify, but we faced challenges throughout the match. If there’s one team used to overcoming difficulties, it’s us. Our group was the toughest. We had to face either Qarabag or Monaco, and it was definitely Monaco. Now we face Chelsea and Barcelona, both excellent teams. We are prepared and accustomed to such matches.”
Meanwhile, Galatasaray halted Juventus’s remarkable comeback, securing their place in the Round of 16 with a 7-5 aggregate score.
Galatasaray SK showcased incredible determination, defeating Juventus FC in an exciting match that went into extra time. Despite trailing by three goals after the first leg, the hosts refused to give up and pushed the match into extra time.
Just three minutes after the interval, Juventus faced a significant setback when Lloyd Kelly was sent off. Nevertheless, Manuel Locatelli kept the team in contention by scoring from the penalty spot. Federico Gatti also found the net, keeping the Bianconeri’s hopes alive. Kenan Yildiz’s shot hit the post, but Weston McKennie capitalized on the opportunity, leveling the score at 5-5 and intensifying the match.
Jeremy Boga had a golden opportunity to give the Italian team an overall lead but failed to convert. Galatasaray seized the moment in extra time, with Victor Osimhen and Baris Alper Yilmaz scoring decisive goals to secure a memorable victory.