PSG vs Monaco: Luis Enrique Criticises Parisians' Consistency After Dramatic Qualification
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) coach, Luis Enrique, has asked his team to immediately improve their level of play ahead of the Champions League round of 16. This firm request was made after Les Parisiens dramatically qualified from the playoff stage.
The heated match between PSG and Monaco in the second leg of the playoff round at the Parc des Princes on Thursday (February 26th) ended in a 2-2 draw. This result gave PSG a narrow 5-4 aggregate lead after a 3-2 victory in the first meeting.
P SG came into the match with a one-goal advantage, but AS Monaco played aggressively from the start. Maghnes Akliouche successfully put the visitors ahead at the Parc des Princes, also equalising the aggregate score. The situation began to favour the home side when Monaco player, Mamadou Coulibaly, was sent off by the referee early in the second half.
The advantage in numbers was well utilised by Luis Enrique’s squad. Marquinhos managed to equalise before their new star, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, put PSG ahead 2-1. Although playing with 10 men, Monaco showed great fighting spirit by equalising through a goal from Jordan Teze. Monaco almost forced the match into extra time had it not been for Wout Faes’ golden opportunity in the final minutes being wasted.
Match Statistics PSG vs Monaco:
Although currently leading the Ligue 1 standings and as the defending Champions League champions, PSG’s performance is considered less consistent than last season when they dominated Europe. Luis Enrique admitted that his team needs to improve. “We can and want to improve, but there are always opponents and we know how difficult this match is,” said Luis Enrique as quoted by AFP. Regarding potential opponents in the round of 16, PSG will most likely face Premier League giants, Chelsea, or Enrique’s former club, Barcelona. “The next match will be more difficult. Chelsea or Barcelona, not bad. But if there is a team that is ready, it is us,” he said confidently. In addition to team unity, Enrique also has high hopes for the Ballon d’Or winner, Ousmane Dembele, to return to his peak condition. The 28-year-old striker is experiencing a decline in productivity due to injury, having only scored 11 goals this season compared to 35 goals last season. “We are ready to face anyone in any competition. We have indeed been hit by many injuries, but that is not an excuse. There are still about three months left in the season and our target is to win every competition,” Enrique concluded. PSG is now awaiting the results of the Champions League round of 16 draw to determine their next steps in their mission to defend the “Big Ears” trophy. (Z-10)
A Real Madrid supporter suspected of performing a Nazi salute was expelled from the stadium before the Champions League match between Madrid and Benfica at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Thursday (February 26th) early in the morning. Two quick goals from Patrik Schick ensured a crucial victory for Bayer Leverkusen when they visited Olympiakos in the Olympiakos vs Leverkusen match in the continuation of the Champions League. A narrow 1-0 victory for Real Madrid over Benfica in the first leg of the playoff round of the Champions League on Wednesday (February 18th) early in the morning had to be paid for with the emergence of racism issues. The Paris Saint-Germain team can turn the tables and end up winning 3-2 in the Monaco vs PSG match in the first leg of the round of 16 in the Champions League at the Louis II Stadium, Monaco, on Tuesday (February 17th). Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk said that Galatasaray’s 5-2 victory over Juventus in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League last night (February 18th) will be unforgettable. PSG won 3-0 against Metz at the Parc des Princes. Luis Enrique praised his team’s seriousness, which now tops the French league standings after closest rivals Lens lost. PSG lost 1-3 to Rennes in Ligue 1. This defeat threatens the top of the standings and opens the way for rivals to overtake the defending champions. PSG coach Luis Enrique and Ousmane Dembele spoke out about the surprising 3-1 defeat to Rennes. Efficiency is a major problem for Les Parisiens. PSG is targeting a victory over Rennes to widen the gap at the top of the 2025/2026 French League standings. Luis Enrique relies on Ousmane Dembele and Marquinhos. Paris Saint-Germain scored a 5-0 victory over Marseille in Le Classique Ligue 1 2026. Dembele scored two goals, Kvaratskhelia and Lee Kang-in also scored, PSG returned to the top of the standings. Copyright @ 2026 Media Group - mediaindonesia. All Rights Reserved