Champions League: Hakimi strikes as PSG edge Monaco for first leg win

Achraf Hakimi scored his first goal in nearly four months as reigning UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain came back from two goals down to defeat fellow French Ligue 1 side Monaco in the first leg of their Round of 32 clash.

The Moroccan flank player calmly fired in from a rebound after a long distance strike from Désiré Doué was initially parried away by Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Köhn. His equalizer completed an excellent fight back from the visitors at the Stade Louis II.

Monaco leaped out to a stunning two-goal lead inside the opening twenty minutes. USA national team forward Folarin Balogun opened the scoring in the first minute before doubling his tally in the 18th minute to put the defending champions on their heels. It appeared that luck was not on the side of the Parisians after Vitinha failed to convert from the penalty spot soon after.

But the visitors continued to control possession and look dangerous, which saw the Monegasque defense finally break down when Doué halved the lead before a half hour was gone. Hakimi’s finish left the teams level heading into halftime.

And when Doué showed up again in the 67th minute to put his side ahead, Monaco had absolutely no response. The hosts peaked too early and hardly had a sniff of the opposition goal during the second half.

Quel COMEBACK. 🔥👏#UCL (2-3) pic.twitter.com/vPXR4Zv2yx

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) February 17, 2026

The two teams will meet again next Wednesday for the second leg at the Parc des Princes, where the French and European club champions will be heavy favorites to finish the job and advance.