The first 20 minutes at Parc des Princes were a nightmare for Les Parisiens. Being pressed and conceding an early goal, the home team faced the risk of collapse. However, what is commendable is that they did not lose their spirit. Persistence and bravery helped PSG create a memorable comeback.
That was the first time in the 21st century that PSG won a Champions League knockout match after being led by 2 goals. Under the guidance of Luis Enrique, the French representative has won 4 consecutive knockout matches, and also won all 2 recent home matches in this arena.
If they continue to triumph, PSG will win seven of the last eight Champions League return legs. They are also in impressive form at Parc des Princes when they are unbeaten in 8 of the last 9 official matches, the last 2 matches in Paris both ended with a total score of 8-0.
Against AS Monaco, PSG also holds a historic advantage. They are unbeaten in their last five encounters in the French capital and have never been eliminated by Monaco in the knockout rounds in this century.
Monaco entered the second leg with a familiar task of being forced to win to nurture hopes of going further in the Champions League. The representative of the Principality has been eliminated in three matches in the last two rounds of the tournament and has never participated in the round of 16 since the 2016-2017 season - when Kylian Mbappe was still a young talent and helped them advance to the semi-finals.
Under Sebastien Pocognoli, Monaco still showed admirable resistance. They won 2 of their last 3 matches against French opponents, including a 3-2 comeback against RC Lens last weekend - a result that indirectly affected the Ligue 1 race.
However, since the round of 16 in 2017 - when Monaco reversed the 3-5 defeat to Manchester City to win 3-1 in the second leg and advanced thanks to the away goals rule - they have never won a knockout match after losing the first leg.
Away form is also a big concern for them when only one of their last 5 away matches ended with a victory. In this season's Champions League, Monaco has conceded 12 goals after four away trips.
The last time they defeated PSG at Parc des Princes was nearly a decade ago - a 2-0 victory in Ligue 1 in March 2016. History and form do not favor Monaco, but in European competitions, hope always exists until the final whistle blows.
Personnel situation
PSG may suffer significant personnel losses in the upcoming match. Ousmane Dembele and Senny Mayulu are likely to be absent due to calf injuries, while Fabian Ruiz is having knee problems.
Besides, Mbitcha is also predicted not to be able to participate due to hamstring strain. In goal, Matvey Safonov seems to have gained Luis Enrique's trust when starting in the last 6 matches, replacing Lucas Chevalier.
On Monaco's side, the absence list is also not short. Paul Pogba, Mohammed Salisu, Takumi Minamino and Lukas Hradecky are all sidelined due to knee injuries. Eric Dier and Christian Mawissa are still uncertain to play due to hamstring problems.
A calf injury could prevent Kassoum Ouattara from recovering in time. Maghnes Akliouche is having a problem with his hip, and Aleksandr Golovin is absent due to suspension.
Expected lineup:
Safonov, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Neves, Doue, Ramos, Kvaratskhelia.
Kohn, Vanderson, Teze, Kehrer, Henrique, Camara, Zakaria, Coulibaly, Fati, Adingra, Balogun.
The match between PSG and Monaco takes place at 3:00 AM on June 26 (Vietnam time).
