PSG edged Bayern Munich in Nine Goal thriller
Paris Saint-Germain produced one of the most extraordinary nights in Champions League history, defeating Bayern Munich 5-4 in a pulsating semifinal first leg at the Parc des Princes that will live long in the memory of everyone who witnessed it.
The holders set a new record for the highest-scoring last-four clash in the competition’s history, in a contest that twisted and turned relentlessly, produced moments of genuine genius, and left the travelling support simultaneously heartbroken and quietly hopeful ahead of next week’s second leg in Munich.
It was Bayern who struck first, Harry Kane sending Matvei Safonov the wrong way from the penalty spot after 17 minutes— composed, inevitable, ruthless. The goal was his 54th of the season and his 18th successful spot-kick in his last 19 attempts for club and country, and briefly it seemed as though the Bundesliga champions might impose their formidable structure on the evening.
PSG had other ideas. Kvaratskhelia cut in from the left and curled a sublime finish past a diving Manuel Neuer to level matters, before Joao Neves ghosted unmarked through the Bayern defence to head home from a corner and put the hosts in front. The Parc des Princes was rocking — and the game was only getting started.
Michael Olise, given far too much time and space on the edge of the box, lashed a stunning effort into the roof of the net to draw Bayern level again, silencing the crowd and reminding everyone why he is considered among the finest players on the planet. But PSG regained the lead before half-time in controversial fashion. VAR adjudged that a cross had struck the hand of Alphonso Davies in the box, and Dembélé stepped up to beat Neuer from twelve yards, sending the reigning Ballon d’Or winner into the break with two goals and an assist to his name.
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If the first half was extraordinary, the second was barely believable. Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé both struck again in a devastating three-minute spell to make it 5-2 , and at that point the tie appeared done and dusted. Bayern, to their enormous credit, refused to accept their fate. Upamecano powered home a Kimmich free-kick to make it 5-3, before Luis Díaz — initially flagged offside before VAR intervened — produced a moment of individual brilliance to drag it back to 5-4, setting the Allianz Arena crowd a tantalising target for the return.
PSG held on, and the result ended Bayern’s 19-game unbeaten run — but Vincent Kompany’s side will travel to Munich knowing a one-goal deficit is anything but insurmountable. For Luis Enrique, however, this was a statement of intent. His team scored with every single shot on target. They were dazzling, relentless, and when it mattered most, ruthless. A place in the Budapest final is within touching distance — but with Bayern Munich standing in the way, nothing is settled yet.
