Here’s our series. The 5 best reasons to watch a match (with some adjustments here and there). We’ll be highlighting the most appealing aspects before each match with a mix of seriousness and humor. Please note, this isn’t meant to be an exhaustive overview. We continue here with the match between Paris Saint-Germain (2nd in Ligue 1) this Tuesday against AS Monaco (8th) at the Stade Louis II for the first leg (Kick-off is at 9 pm, CET)of the 2025-2026 Champions League playoff (second leg on Wednesday, February 25th).
5 – Monaco, the fortress?
In another complicated season for Monaco, with yet another coaching change that hasn’t brought any more certainty, they’ve shown some strength at home in the Champions League: draws against Manchester City, Tottenham, and Juventus, as well as a victory against Galatasaray. PSG also lost in Ligue 1. There’s a real force to be reckoned with.
4 – Rediscover Hakimi.
Achraf Hakimi (27 years old) hasn’t been disastrous since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, but he’s clearly not the right-back who tormented all opponents before his injury in early November. He undoubtedly needs to get his mindset right after the final defeat against Senegal; all it might take is a spark. We hope it comes soon. The Champions League is a good opportunity.
3 – Lee Kang-In ready to take the next step?
The 25-year-old midfielder/forward has made several impressive appearances off the bench recently, and we’ll have to see if he can start this time. It would be all the more significant in the Champions League, where he has often been on the bench since his arrival. He would then need to build on all the positive signs he’s shown. We remember his struggles at Monaco in November. This is an opportunity to truly turn the page.
2 – Expected Collective Efficiency
This has caused a huge and unnecessary uproar, but Ousmane Dembélé (28-year-old forward) put his finger on a problem that has been weighing PSG down this season on Friday night: they are less effective, partly due to overly individualistic choices. We therefore expect a reaction in order to rediscover collective strength and avoid seeing their objectives slip further away.
1 – Moving Towards the Objective
PSG has been frustrating several times this season, but remains in contention for a successful campaign. However, they need to stop stumbling. We hope for a great victory in order to take a first step towards the round of 16, to be confirmed on Wednesday the 25th. However, Monaco is also counting on this Champions League campaign to have something very positive to experience.
