4 positives and 3 negatives as PSG comeback to beat Monaco in Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain came out victorious 3-2 against AS Monaco in the first-leg of the Champions League Play-offs. Luis Enrique's men came back from two goals down to defeat their opponents thanks to Désiré Doué's outstanding performance as he came off the bench.

Here are the positives and the negatives as Paris took a serious option over the qualification for the Round of 16 of the Champions League.

Positives and negatives as PSG defeat Monaco in Champions League

Positive: Qualification looks likely as PSG face home leg with 1 goal advantage.

First things first, it’s important to note that this is a very good result for the Parisians. Going to Monaco is no easy task, especially when taking into account that the European Champions have already lost there in Ligue 1 this season, and that they now return to the Parc des Princes with a one goal lead that looks unlikely to be overturned on the evidence of yesterday’s performance. Qualification is far from assured, but it looks unlikely that Monaco will manage to outgun PSG in front of a hostile away crowd, at least based on the evidence of last night’s game, in which PSG scored three and should have scored more.

Negative: Woeful early defending will sow doubts into the minds of PSG fans

On a more sombre note for the Parisians, it has to be highlighted that the level of defending for both of Monaco’s early goals was fairly woeful, with Monaco striker Folarin Balogun being left inexplicably unmarked in the first minute as he floated in to head home into an empty net following a cross from Alexandr Golovin. Around twenty minutes later, the USA international scored another, following less than convincing marking from PSG captain Marquinhos.

The Brazilian centre-back’s partnership with Willian Pacho was a huge part of PSG’s success last season, as the two gave PSG a new found defensive solidarity, but neither looked particularly comfortable last night – and, with all due respect, if even Monaco’s attack can cause such them such woes, PSG fans will be worried about the damage a potential European giant could do to them in a potential next round.

Positive: Doué demonstrates star quality with game changing cameo from the bench.

Desiré Doué, who some interpreted as having been targeted by Ousmane Dembélé’s about the importance of team spirit comments after last Friday’s defeat to Rennes, certainly silenced his critics in the best possible way last night, replacing Dembélé in the first half and turning the game around with two impeccable goals, while also being involved in Achraf Hakimi’s equaliser.

It was a brilliant performance from the French gunman, whose finishing quality was showcased once again: The Golden Boy holder now has 9 goals in 21 appearances in the Champions League for PSG, including two in last season’s final, and two vital goals tonight. He is increasingly cementing himself as PSG’s go to man for the big occasion.

Negative: Dembélé early withdrawal: another injury set back for Ballon D’Or holder

One of the biggest concerns from last night will be Ousmane Dembélé’s early withdrawal through injury: it was initially unclear exactly why the Ballon d’Or holder had been removed after just 28 minutes, but it was later confirmed to have been another injury setback for the winger who has struggled with his fitness this season. PSG fans will be hoping that it’s nothing too serious and that Dembélé will be back fit for next week’s return leg in Paris.

Positive: Hakimi back in the team and back amongst the goals

If there’s one man who PSG fans have missed this season, it’s Achraf Hakimi. Due to a combination of injuries and his participation in AFCON, the Moroccan fullback has only rarely appeared for the European Champions this year, but last night his contribution was invaluable as he scored the equalising goal, continuing his streak of providing in big moments for the Parisians. He is a player for the big occasion, and having him back fit is a big bonus for the Parisians going towards the business end of the season.

Negative: More penalty woes as PSG continue to struggle from the spot

When it comes to penalties, PSG seem to struggle. Whether it’s Vitinha or Ousmane Dembélé, who seem to be the first choice takers, both have had a poor record from the spot: the latter has missed two penalties this season, and the former’s miss yesterday adds to his miss in the UEFA super cup shoot out, and his miss against Arsenal in last season’s Champions League semi final.

It surely doesn’t help anyone that there doesn’t seem to be a designated taker: and although last night’s miss didn’t prove too costly, it’s something that needs to be worked on and improved if PSG want sustained success on the European stage.

Positive: Star power combined with resilience is reminiscent of last season’s Champions League excellence: this is what Champions are made of

Yesterday’s game was perhaps above all a reminder of why exactly PSG are European Champions: their star power combined with their devastating brand of attacking football was on full display. Even when trailing 2-0, they never seemed short on confidence, and demonstrated scintillating football and a real desire to turn the game over. The best thing you can say about the performance is that it was a timely reminder of just why PSG are Champions of Europe… and of why no side in the Champions League will be wanting to face them in these knockout rounds.