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Doue brace inspires PSG comeback win over Monaco in Champions League play-off clash

Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to claim a 3-2 win at Monaco in the Champions League knockout play-off first leg on Tuesday.

Monaco opened the scoring in the first minute, with Aleksandr Golovin floating a cross for Folarin Balogun to head home.

Joao Neves should have levelled for PSG in the 14th minute after receiving a pass inside the box, but blasted over.

Monaco went to the other end to double their lead through Balogun, who slotted past Matvey Safonov.

PSG were then awarded a penalty after Wout Faes fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Vitinha stepped up to convert, but Philipp Kohn kept out his effort.

Desire Doue halved the deficit moments after coming on for Ousmane Dembele, picking out the bottom corner from close range.

Achraf Hakimi completed the comeback in the 40th minute, rifling into the net after Kohn parried Doue’s shot towards him.

Kvaratskhelia nearly completed the turnaround before the break when he hit the side netting.

Golovin was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Vitinha after the break, reducing Monaco to 10 men.

Doue put PSG ahead for the first time in the 67th minute, slotting into the bottom-right corner for his second of the night.

The France international has now become the first PSG substitute to score a brace in the Champions League knockout stage.

Monaco pushed for an immediate response, with Denis Zakaria forcing Safonov to make a save.

PSG threatened again in the 81st minute as Bradley Barcola aimed a shot towards the bottom corner, but Kohn stuck his leg out to divert it behind for a corner.

The Monaco goalkeeper made another save before full-time, keeping his side in the tie ahead of next Wednesday’s second leg at the Parc des Princes.

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