A stunning comeback, a commanding rout, and a delayed but decisive performance defined the opening legs of the UEFA Champions League playoffs on Tuesday.
In Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain staged a remarkable recovery to secure a 3-2 victory. The reigning European champions found themselves in immediate peril, conceding within the first minute and falling two goals behind by the 18th minute. The introduction of substitute Désiré Doué in the first half, however, transformed the contest. The young midfielder inspired the turnaround, contributing two goals and an assist to overturn the deficit. Monaco’s task was further complicated when Aleksandr Golovin was sent off early in the second half, allowing PSG to control proceedings and clinch a narrow but crucial away win.
Meanwhile, in Istanbul, Galatasaray produced a spectacular display to overpower Juventus 5-2. The Turkish side took an early lead through a long-range strike from Gabriel Sara. Although Juventus briefly rallied to go ahead, Galatasaray’s relentless pressure told. The dismissal of a Juventus substitute in the second half opened the floodgates, with Noa Lang scoring twice and Victor Osimhen providing two assists to seal an emphatic result that leaves the Italian giants with a monumental task in the return fixture.
In Germany, Borussia Dortmund secured a solid 2-0 home win over Atalanta, despite a delayed kick-off due to traffic. Serhou Guirassy headed the hosts in front after just three minutes and later set up Max Beier to double the lead before halftime. The Italian visitors struggled to create meaningful chances, leaving Dortmund firmly in control ahead of next week’s second leg in Bergamo.
The winners of these ties will advance to the competition’s round of 16.
