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Monaco vs PSG: Five legendary clashes

Ahead of Tuesday’s historic Champions League play-off first leg at the Stade Louis-II, we revisit five classics between two giants of French football.
G.BOXALL
Published on 02/16/2026 at 13:28
2-minute read
Ahead of Tuesday’s historic Champions League play-off first leg at the Stade Louis-II, we revisit five classics between two giants of French football.

AS Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain has long stood among Ligue 1’s most unpredictable fixtures. But Tuesday’s showdown adds a new layer: their first-ever meeting in European competition, with a place in the Champions League Round of 16 at stake.

From cup finals to statement league victories, here are five clashes that forged the modern Monaco–PSG rivalry — and shaped the backdrop to this continental duel.

1. Coupe de France Final — PSG 2–0 Monaco (19 May 2021)

The most recent trophy-decider between the clubs arrived in 2021 at the Stade de France.

Mauro Icardi struck early to tilt the final toward Paris before Kylian Mbappé, facing the club that shaped his rise, sealed the contest late on. PSG lifted their 14th Coupe de France title — and once again proved decisive on the big stage.

With continental stakes now in play, PSG will hope that same final instinct resurfaces on Tuesday night.

2. Ligue 1 — Monaco 3–2 PSG (20 November 2020)

A night that belonged to Cesc Fàbregas.

PSG led 2–0 and looked in total control before Monaco roared back. Kevin Volland struck twice — both assisted by Fàbregas — before the Spaniard calmly converted a late penalty to complete a stunning comeback. Monaco showed belief, courage and composure — traits they will need again in Europe.

3. Coupe de la Ligue Final — PSG 4–1 Monaco (1 April 2017)

If the 2021 final belonged to Mbappé, this one belonged to Ángel Di María. Electric and decisive, the Argentine orchestrated PSG’s dominance, assisting Julian Draxler before scoring himself and teeing up Edinson Cavani. It was a statement performance in a season when both sides were battling at the summit of French football. When silverware is on the line, this fixture rarely disappoints.

4. Ligue 1 —  Monaco 1-0 PSG (29 November 2025) 

Monaco sealed an important victory in one of Sebastien Pocognoli's early fixtures to open up the title race earlier this season. After a run of three defeats, the Rouge et Blanc got back to winning ways thanks to a solitary goal from Takumi Minamino. 

5. Ligue 1 — PSG 5–2 Monaco (25 November 2023)

A seven-goal thriller that captured the rivalry at full volume. Gonçalo Ramos, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Vitinha and Randal Kolo Muani all scored for PSG, while Takumi Minamino and Folarin Balogun responded for Monaco.

Luis Enrique praised the chaos and tempo that night — and European football may demand similar bravery from both sides this week.

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