PSG Discovers Their Potential Champions League Knockout Stage Rivals

The first 25 minutes could hardly have been more disastrous for Paris Saint-Germain during their Tuesday evening clash in Monaco.

The defending Champions League titleholders were trailing 2–0, demoralized by a missed penalty and on the verge of watching their Ballon d'Or recipient limp off the pitch with another injury setback. Luckily for Luis Enrique, he had the opportunity to bring on the sport's rising star in place of Ousmane Dembélé.

Désiré Doué has experienced a somewhat quiet 2025–26 campaign, showing brilliant flashes at times, but the 20-year-old stepped up precisely when the Parisians required him most in the principality. Doué netted a brace and contributed to Achraf Hakimi's leveling goal, as PSG mounted a comeback against the reduced hosts to secure an advantage heading back to Paris for their playoff encounter.

Though Enrique still faces significant challenges, with his squad struggling to gel as seamlessly as they did at this stage last season, the titleholders, unless they suffer a dramatic home collapse, will advance to the round of 16.

Below are their possible adversaries in the upcoming stage.

Who Could PSG Face in the Champions League Round of 16?

Who Could PSG Face in the Champions League Round of 16?

There's no straightforward route for PSG in the knockout stage. Should they overcome Monaco in what would be the inaugural European competition meeting between the two Ligue 1 sides, they'll encounter either Barcelona or Chelsea in the following round.

They've become well-acquainted with both teams through the years, though Enrique's squad has particularly relished their recent battles with Barça. Their feud extended beyond the field following Neymar's record-breaking transfer to Paris in 2017, but the teams also delivered one of the most unforgettable Champions League knockout encounters in the tournament's annals.

After securing a commanding 4–0 first-leg triumph at the Parc des Princes, PSG suffered a dramatic collapse in Catalonia as Sergi Roberto netted Barcelona's sixth goal to orchestrate 'La Remontada' in the round of 16 nine years ago.

Subsequently, PSG have dominated both knockout encounters quite convincingly, and they recovered from an early deficit to defeat Hansi Flick's La Liga winners 2–1 at the beginning of this season's group stage.

The Parisians previously found themselves repeatedly matched against Chelsea in the tournament's later rounds, meeting in three straight seasons during the mid-2010s, but their showdown in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final marked their first encounter since 2016. The Blues demolished Enrique's team 3–0 in New York last summer, with Cole Palmer commanding the spotlight during a tactical masterclass from the now-former manager Enzo Maresca.

Liam Rosenior currently leads the team, and he steered Chelsea into the last 16 by securing wins against Pafos and Napoli. A matchup with Enrique would undoubtedly present a formidable challenge for the English manager, though the west London club possesses rich Champions League pedigree.

Furthermore, both of their triumphs in this tournament came following mid-season coaching transitions.

PSG's Head-to-Head Record vs. Potential Round of 16 Opponents

PSG's Head-to-Head Record vs. Potential Round of 16 Opponents