AS Monaco saw their Mamadou Coulibaly’s dismissal prove decisive as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Paris Saint-Germain in Wednesday’s Champions League playoff second leg, crashing out 5-4 on aggregate.
The reigning European champions now advance to a blockbuster round of 16 tie against either Chelsea FC or FC Barcelona, with Friday’s draw set to determine their opponent.
Monaco appeared in control when they led 1-0 on the night, levelling the aggregate score at 3-3.
However, the contest swung dramatically in the 59th minute when the 21-year-old Coulibaly received a second yellow card for a rash challenge on Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
From the resulting free kick, PSG captain Marquinhos brought the hosts level, finishing from close range after a swift delivery down the right and a precise cross from Désiré Doué.
Just six minutes later, Kvaratskhelia capitalised on a rebound after goalkeeper Philipp Köhn parried a long-range strike from Achraf Hakimi, nudging PSG into a commanding 2-1 lead.
Though Jordan Teze struck deep into stoppage time to level the match on the night, it was too little, too late for the visitors.
Before the sending-off, PSG had looked uneasy, while Monaco were growing in confidence at the Parc des Princes.
The visitors had earlier taken the lead just before halftime when Maghnes Akliouche finished coolly after a well-worked move involving Caio Henrique and Coulibaly, his effort clipping the post on its way in.
Coulibaly had also squandered a golden opportunity earlier, firing over from close range after Akliouche carved open the defence with a dazzling run.
Akliouche’s lively display could strengthen his hopes of earning a place in France’s World Cup squad.
The 24-year-old midfielder, who made his senior international breakthrough last September and later scored against Azerbaijan, has built a reputation for spectacular goals, including a remarkable overhead kick in Ligue 1 last season.
He was also part of the French side that reached the final of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
For PSG, who lifted their first Champions League title last year after years of round-of-16 heartbreak, the comeback keeps their title defence alive, but Monaco will rue the moment that turned a promising night into European elimination.
