Paris Saint-Germain v AS Monaco - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg
Paris Saint-Germain booked their spot in the Champions League last-16 (Picture: Getty)
Paris Saint-Germain forward Desire Doue says his side will be full of confidence should they be drawn against Chelsea in the Champions League last-16.
Defending champions PSG were once again forced to navigate the playoffs after failing to finish in the top eight of the tournament’s league phase.
But a 2-2 draw in their second leg against Monaco on Wednesday saw Luis Enrique’s side edge French rivals Monaco 5-4 on aggregate to continue the defence of their trophy.
A goal before half-time from Maghnes Akliouche drew Monaco level in the tie, but second-half strikes from Marquinhos and Khvicha Kvaratskheli restored PSG’s lead.
Jordan Teze scored late to give Monaco hope, but PSG held on for a nervy victory after Monaco defender Wout Faes headed wide with a golden opportunity in injury time.
PSG will now face either Chelsea or Barcelona in next month’s last-16 tie, with their fate set to be decided in Friday’s draw.
But French winger Doue says his side will go into the next round of the competition with no fear, regardless of who they are drawn against.
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Paris Saint-Germain's players celebrate their victory at the end of the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and AS Monaco at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on February 25, 2026. (Photo by Thomas SAMSON / AFP via Getty Images)
PSG will play either Barcelona or Chelsea in the Champions League last-16 (AFP via Getty)
It’s going to be two great games,’ Doue told UEFA.
‘In any case, we’ll approach them with a lot of confidence, and we’re ready to go up against them regardless of which team it is.’
On his side’s victory over Monaco, he added: ‘We’re really happy to get through. It was so important to pass this test.
‘We managed to show great spirit, and remained resilient, showing that by coming back from behind.
Who can the Premier League teams play in the Champions League last-16?
Arsenal will play either Bayer Leverkusen or Atalanta
Chelsea will play either Newcastle United or PSG
Liverpool will play either Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray
MONACO, MONACO - AUGUST 27: The UEFA Champions League trophy is seen on the stage ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase Draw at Grimaldi Forum on August 27, 2025 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Claudio Lavenia - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
The Champions League draw takes place on Friday (UEFA via Getty)
Man City will play either Bodo/Glimt or Real Madrid
Tottenham will play either Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray
Newcastle United will play either Chelsea or Barcelona
‘[Monaco] are a great side, with a lot of quality and some top players. Every game in the Champions League is difficult.
‘Tonight we managed to get the job done, and that’s the most important thing.’
Meanwhile, PSG boss Luis Enrique labelled Chelsea as a ‘brilliant’ team when asked about the prospect of facing the English outfit in the next round.
‘Neither [Barcelona or Chelsea] will be easy,’ Enrique said when asked the task await his side in the next round.
‘Since it doesn’t depend on me, I’ll adapt to whatever comes. They are two incredible teams.
‘Barca is very special to me and is already becoming a classic for me. Like Manchester City and Real Madrid. Barcelona is a unique city and the club is special.
‘And if we get Chelsea, we’ll have a few things to work on.’
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