PSG survive against Monaco, but Champions League defending champions look a long way from Europe's best
CBS Sports
by
James Benge
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) scraped past Monaco with a 2-2 draw in their Champions League clash, but it was far from an impressive display. Despite advancing to the quarter-finals, PSG's performance raised questions about their ability to challenge for the title this season. Last year's dominant form is noticeably absent, as the team struggles with consistency and key player absences.
Monaco initially matched PSG's intensity, showcasing a dynamic style that belied their youth. The principality side effectively utilized quick transitions and energetic play, particularly through Folarin Balogun and Jordan Teze, to create scoring opportunities. However, their efforts were derailed by two crucial red cards—one for Aleksandr Golovin and another for Kevin Volland—each occurring at pivotal moments in the game.
PSG capitalized on their numerical advantage after Volland's dismissal, with Marquinhos and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia finding the net. Despite this, PSG's inability to maintain sustained pressure highlighted lingering issues in their play. The team seemed disjointed without key contributors like Ousmane Dembele, whose absence left a noticeable gap in both attacking creativity and defensive work rate.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/25/2026