Key Takeaways
- Paris Saint-Germain defeated FC Bayern Munich 5-4 in a historic UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg in Paris.
- Ousmane Dembele scored twice for the home side, including the decisive goal, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia netted a brace.
- Bayern Munich recovered from 5-2 down to score twice in the final minutes, ensuring the tie remains open ahead of next week’s return leg in Germany.
Paris Saint-Germain beat FC Bayern Munich 5-4 in an incredible UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg on Tuesday night. The French champions now hold a narrow advantage ahead of the return match in Munich next week.
The German visitors started strongly and took an early lead. Harry Kane scored from the penalty spot after William Pacho fouled Luis Diaz inside the box. This was Kane’s thirteenth goal in this season’s competition.
Bayern missed a chance to double their lead when Michael Olise failed to convert from close range following a precise pass from Kane. PSG punished this error immediately. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia collected the ball, ran at the defence, and finished calmly past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to make it 1-1.
The home side then took the lead when Joao Neves headed the ball into the net from a corner taken by Ousmane Dembele. However, Bayern responded quickly, with Olise scoring a powerful equaliser after good work from Diaz.
Just before half-time, PSG were awarded a second penalty when the ball struck Alphonso Davies’ arm. Dembele converted the spot-kick. Early in the second period, the French winger scored again to extend the lead. When Kvaratskhelia added his second goal of the night, PSG appeared to be in control at 5-2.
Yet Bayern refused to accept defeat. Dayot Upamecano scored with a strong header from Joshua Kimmich’s cross. Then Luis Diaz found the net after excellent work from Kane, who dropped deep to create the opening. These late goals brought the score to 5-4.
PSG defended carefully during the closing minutes to protect their advantage. While the victory gives them a slight edge, Bayern’s fighting spirit means the second leg remains impossible to predict.
The other semifinal between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal takes place on Wednesday. That match is expected to feature tighter defence and fewer goals than this remarkable contest in the French capital.