In the Champions League playoff match at Louis-II, AS Monaco opened the scoring just one minute into the game with a goal from American forward Folarin Balogun. Balogun capitalized on a precise cross from Aleksandr Golovin, taking advantage of a sluggish PSG defense. The match proceeded with Monaco taking an early lead, surprising the Parisian side second time as Balogun scored again after a well-placed pass from Maghnes Akliouche in the 18th minute.

Paris Saint-Germain, determined to mount a comeback, began exerting more control over the game but faced additional challenges including a missed penalty kick by Vitinha and the significant injury of star player Ousmane Dembélé, which added to the drama of a thrilling first half. The urgency grew among Paris fans witnessing their team struggle to find the back of the net against a spirited Monaco side, showcasing both the excitement and unpredictability characteristic of high-stakes Champions League matches.

Monaco's strong performance in this intense first half sets the stage for what could become a memorable two-leg encounter in the playoff, as they exhibit notable resilience and tactical sharpness against one of Europe’s top clubs. PSG will need to regroup and address their defensive lapses and injury concerns if they hope to advance past this round, making the upcoming second leg critical for both teams’ aspirations in the tournament.