Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) managed to overturn an early setback to beat AS Monaco 3-2 in the first leg of the Champions League playoffs. Monaco started strong, taking a 2-0 lead in less than 20 minutes thanks to Folarin Balogun's quick goals. However, despite missing a penalty, PSG equalized with two goals from Désiré Doué and Achraf Hakimi before halftime. The match saw a dramatic shift when Monaco was reduced to ten men after Aleksandr Golovin's expulsion and PSG capitalized with another goal from Doué to secure the win.

Ecuadorian player Willian Pacho Tenorio was a key presence for PSG, starting the match and playing the full 90 minutes. Manager Luis Enrique's reliance on Pacho underscores his importance in the team, especially in critical playoff matches such as this. The win puts PSG in a strong position heading into the second leg of the playoffs, showcasing their resilience and depth despite injuries to key players like Ousmane Dembélé.

The implications of this match extend beyond just the current playoff round; it highlights PSG's contention for the Champions League title this season. With notable performances from new talent like Doué, alongside established players, PSG is shaping up to be a formidable opponent in European football. The team's ability to recover from early setbacks demonstrates their competitive spirit and tactical flexibility, which are essential for success in high-stakes tournaments like the Champions League.