Riviera Rumble: CL Fireworks in Monaco
A genuine French heavyweight clash awaits as Monaco welcome Ligue 1 rivals PSG to Stade Louis II. This is the first leg in the CL knockout playoff meeting between the sides, with a place in the last 16 on the line. Monaco’s strong home form combined with PSG’s continental pedigree suggests an intense night in the principality.
Match Analysis
Monaco advanced from the league phase of Europe’s premier club competition despite some uneven performances. Their form has steadied recently, and particularly at Stade Louis II the red-and-whites have proved difficult to beat. They have shown defensive solidity while still carrying enough attacking threat to trouble top-level opposition.
PSG, meanwhile, have produced what could best be described as mixed results. The squad’s quality is beyond doubt, yet some away performances have exposed vulnerabilities against well-organised teams. That said, the visitors possess the experience typically required in knockout European ties.
Historically, meetings between these sides in Monaco have often been tightly contested, with Les Monégasques repeatedly causing problems for the Parisians.
Team News
Aleksandr Golovin is expected to be available for Monaco despite his recent domestic red card, which does not carry into European competition. However, injuries remain a concern: Lukas Hradecky, Takumi Minamino and Mohammed Salisu are sidelined with knee issues, while Kassoum Ouattara, Eric Dier and Paul Pogba are out with calf problems. Pape Cabral is also unavailable, and both Lamine Camara and Maghnes Akliouche are fitness doubts.
PSG are without Quentin Ndjantou (hamstring) and Fabian Ruiz (knee). Ousmane Dembélé could be decisive, having scored three goals in his last two matches and boasting an excellent record against Monaco, with seven goals in nine appearances.
Odds and Tips
This looks like a finely balanced first leg. Monaco’s home advantage could make life difficult for PSG, but the visitors’ experience and individual quality may ultimately prove decisive.
Tip: PSG to edge it.
A close contest is expected — for example a 2–1 win for the visitors at 7.60.
Please note that the odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last updated: 16.02.26
