Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – Published on Saturday, 07 March 2026, 00:06 / Updated on Saturday, 07 March 2026 00:06
PSG lost 3-1 at the Parc des Princes to Monaco and Lens can take advantage to move back to within a point of the leaders if they win against Metz next Sunday. Sebastien Pocognoli's team didn't give the champions a chance
In the play-offs for the last 16 of the Champions League, Monaco had already shown that they can cause problems for PSG, even if they were eliminated. In the match that opened the 25th leg, Sebastien Pocognoli's side dominated the game, won 3-1 and left the Parc des Princes silent. Thus, if Lens wins, they will close to just one point of the lead.
PSG was defeated by Monaco on their own ground
The first clear-cut chance of the match came from a phase that has been repeated many times in recent times. Hakimi came from the right to the center, entered the box and did not score only because Monaco's goalkeeper Kohn made an excellent intervention.
Monaco's response came in the 15th minute when Akliouche broke down the right and shot powerfully but wide. The feeling remained that if Balogun had cared, the phase could have had a better outcome.
PSG then took control of the game and if Nuno Mendes missed a scoring opportunity in the 20th minute, Dro Fernández did no better.
A very balanced game until the moment when Zaire-Emery made a childish error, trying to dribble two opponents in the box, and the ball reached Akliouche, who did not forgive.
PSG again had to run after the comeback against Monaco, who looked very solid defensively and who almost always managed to hurt the home team with very quick counter-attacks. Towards the end of the first half, it was becoming apparent that Luis Enrique needed to make changes to the team and even alter the approach to the game.
Victory was very close for Monaco, who had never been inferior to PSG. However, Hakimi didn't think the game was close, he went up the right and fed a goal pass to Barcola, who restored hope for the hosts.
Hope lasted a little and if first Camara came off the field and allowed Safonov to make the evening parade, immediately after, Balogun did not miss. He was missing on a perfect evening for the Monegasques.
Thus, Lens must win at home against Metz next Sunday to move within just a point of the lead. The dream of the title remains alive.
