Champions League Semi-final: PSG beat Bayern Munich 5-4 in nine-goal thriller
Reigning UEFA Champions League champions Paris Saint-Germain edged Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in a nine-goal thriller on Tuesday night.
The intense end-to-end encounter saw two of Europe’s top attacking sides face off in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France.
Bayern Munich took the lead early on, converting from the penalty spot after a challenge by Willian Pacho on Luis Díaz, with Harry Kane calmly finishing.
The home side responded quickly, as Kvaratskhelia levelled the score following a brilliant effort from Desire Doue. In the 33rd minute, PSG went ahead, with João Neves heading home from a pinpoint cross by Ousmane Dembélé.
Michael Olise restored parity for Bayern, finishing superbly after a short assist from Aleksandar Pavlović.
Just before the break, PSG were back in front with the last kick of the first half after a controversial penalty decision. A deflected shot struck Alphonso Davies’ arm, allowing the hosts to capitalise from the spot.
After the tough first 45 minutes, Les Parisians extended their advantage with Kvaratskhlelia netting his second goal of the game off a quick transition from defence to attack play as Achraf Hakimi played a low cutback to allow the Georgian forward to convert swiftly, bringing his tally to seven goals in six matches in the Champions League.
Two minutes later, Dembélé added another, finishing a quick counter-attack after a well-timed through ball from Doué.
Bayern Munich increased the intensity of the game with a header from Dayot Upamencano to pull one back off a long delivery from Joshua Kimmich.
In the 68th minute, Bayern reduced their deficit further to a goal down with Luiz Diaz finishing clinically with an assist from Harry Kane.
Despite PSG holding the lead, Bayern were in control of the game, creating several clear-cut chances as PSG’s Matvey Safanov made key saves to preserve his side’s advantage.
Both sides will meet again next week for the second leg at the Allianz Arena to decide which side will face either Arsenal or Atletico in the final.
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