Desire Doue inspires dramatic comeback as Paris Saint-Germain stun Monaco in Champions League tie

The hosts looked set for a famous result after racing into a commanding early lead. Folarin Balogun stunned the visitors inside the opening minute, heading home after a dangerous delivery from Aleksandr Golovin.

Monaco doubled their advantage in the 19th minute following a quick transition through midfield. Balogun combined with Maghnes Akliouche before surging clear and finishing confidently past PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov to put the home side firmly in control.

PSG's struggles deepened shortly afterwards when Vitinha saw his penalty saved, and matters worsened further as Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele was forced off through injury before the half-hour mark.

Dembele's withdrawal ultimately transformed the match. Introduced as his replacement, Doue needed only minutes to make an impact, latching onto Bradley Barcola's pass and firing home to reduce the deficit.

The visitors' momentum continued to grow, and they levelled just before half-time when Doue's powerful strike was parried into the path of Achraf Hakimi, who calmly converted the rebound.

Monaco's hopes suffered a major setback seconds into the second half when Golovin was shown a red card following a VAR review for a reckless challenge. Reduced to 10 men, the hosts were forced into a defensive battle as PSG dominated possession and territory.

The pressure eventually told midway through the second period. Warren Zaire-Emery combined with Hakimi to create space for Doue, who clinically struck his second goal of the evening to complete a remarkable turnaround.

The result hands PSG a narrow but valuable advantage heading into the return fixture in Paris, where Luis Enrique's side will be strong favourites to progress to the last 16.

Despite the defeat, Monaco can draw encouragement from their bright attacking display early in the contest and the fact they remain within a single goal heading into the second leg. However, PSG's second-half dominance and Doue's match-winning performance underline the scale of the challenge awaiting them in the French capital.

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