Monaco Reflects on Champions League Playoff Loss to PSG
The Stade Louis II played host to a tense first leg of the 2025-2026 Champions League playoff between AS Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday. While the home side ultimately fell to a narrow 3-2 defeat, there’s a palpable sense of frustration and a determined outlook for the return leg.
Following the hard-fought encounter, Monaco midfielder Denis Zakaria, 29, shared his thoughts with Canal+, expressing a clear sentiment of disappointment. “There was a way to win this match,” Zakaria stated, highlighting the belief within the squad that victory was within their grasp.
A Game of Missed Opportunities
Zakaria elaborated on the feeling of falling short, describing it as “pure disappointment.” He felt Monaco began the match with a clear intention to secure a win, playing with the right mentality from the outset. While acknowledging that some “controversial decisions” played a part in the game’s narrative, he was quick to dismiss the idea of dwelling on them. “We’re not going to hide behind that,” he asserted, shifting the focus to what lies ahead.
Despite the loss, Zakaria emphasised that the tie is far from over. “We still have one match left and we’re going to give everything to advance,” he declared, underscoring the team’s unwavering commitment to fighting for qualification.
Looking Ahead to the Second Leg
When questioned about any sense of pride in how Monaco battled back in the second half, Zakaria was unequivocal. “Pride, no,” he responded firmly. His reasoning was simple: the team entered the pitch with the sole objective of winning, and falling short of that goal overshadowed any positive aspects of their performance. “We wanted to do better, to play better, but unfortunately, we didn’t manage to win today,” he admitted.
However, this disappointment is not deterring Monaco. Zakaria is confident that the team still has a significant opportunity to turn the tie around. “We still have a chance; we’re going to Paris and will try to win there,” he stated, projecting a bold and ambitious mindset for the crucial second leg. The team is not simply aiming to compete in the French capital; they are travelling with the explicit intention of securing a victory and progressing in Europe’s premier club competition. This mindset suggests a tactical shift and an aggressive approach will be on display as Monaco seeks to overcome the deficit and advance in the Champions League. The team’s resilience and determination will be put to the ultimate test in their upcoming clash.
