Key Takeaways
- Paris Saint-Germain defeated Bayern Munich 5-4 in a historic semi-final first leg that produced the most goals ever in a 90-minute Champions League last-four tie.
- Arsenal and Atletico Madrid shared a 1-1 draw in Madrid, with VAR decisions and penalty controversies dominating a defence-heavy clash.
- Both second legs promise high drama next week, with Bayern planning an attacking approach at home and Arsenal needing to improve their front-line performance.
Social media exploded with hot takes after Tuesday night’s incredible nine-goal battle between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich in the French capital. Fans asked if this was the greatest match in competition history. Others questioned where traditional defence had gone. Some supporters even suggested that top teams from France and Germany face little pressure in their domestic leagues, allowing them to save energy for European glory.
The debate will rage until next Wednesday’s return leg in Bavaria. Those who called it the best semi-final ever forgot previous classics. Luis Enrique, the PSG coach, called it the finest match he had ever managed. However, he did not mention the famous 2017 comeback when his Barcelona side beat Paris Saint-Germain 6-1 at the Camp Nou. Last season’s 7-6 aggregate thriller between Inter Milan and Barcelona also set a high standard. Only if the second leg in Munich delivers similar excitement can we dismiss claims of recency bias.
Wednesday’s clash at the Metropolitano offered a very different story. Atletico Madrid and Arsenal FC shared a 1-1 draw that lacked the fireworks of the night before, exactly as many experts had predicted. Supporters who prefer solid defending to attacking flair saw plenty to enjoy until the second half. Then, Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez began to take control of the game.
Griezmann played as though he knew this was his final European night in Madrid. His display was so brilliant that fans now question whether his planned move to Major League Soccer comes too soon. The French World Cup winner will bring special quality to Orlando City if he completes the transfer.
Experts had predicted a game full of set pieces and aerial battles. Instead, penalty decisions and VAR reviews dominated the headlines. Arsenal fans were furious when referee Danny Makkelie first awarded a spot kick for David Hancko’s challenge on Eberechi Eze, then cancelled the decision after using the pitch-side monitor in the 78th minute.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was clearly angry after the final whistle. He told reporters that the first decision showed no clear and obvious error. He added that such mistakes at this level of football are unacceptable because they change the course of huge matches.
Observers noted that Atletico manager Diego Simeone put heavy pressure on the Dutch official while he watched the replay footage. Ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown, speaking on TNT Sports, accused Simeone of trying to influence both the crowd and the referee. Keown made no secret of his support for the London club during the broadcast.
However, Simeone was equally upset about the spot kick Arsenal earned earlier when Hancko blocked Viktor Gyokeres. The Argentine coach insisted that semi-finals deserve only definite penalties, not soft decisions.
Usually Arteta shows more emotion on the touchline than his rival. This time he looked calm next to Simeone, who never stopped moving in his black tracksuit. The Atletico coach changed his team’s shape at half time. This woke up a match that had been sleeping through the first 45 minutes. After the final whistle, he also had words with Arsenal defender Ben White. The incident showed that managers use very different methods to succeed in Europe.
One goal stood out among the nine in France. The final strike, which made the score 5-4, came from a perfectly timed run and calm finish. It crowned a wonderful night for attacking football where every forward on the pitch reached top form.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany promised more drama in the second leg. Speaking to Amazon Prime, he said his team would feed off the energy of 75,000 home fans in Munich next week. He wants even more intensity. Kompany refused to say sorry for his team’s open style, even though they trailed 5-2 at one stage. His attacking ideas make people forget he was a world-class defender as a player.
Not everyone enjoyed the goal feast. Former Birmingham City star Kenny Cunningham called it a poor match because of defensive errors. He told Premier Sports he preferred the 2003 Juventus versus AC Milan final, which ended 0-0.
Injury problems continue for Achraf Hakimi. The Moroccan right-back, many people’s choice as the world’s best in his position, suffered fitness issues during the Africa Cup of Nations. Now a hamstring tear rules him out of the return match. Lucas Hernandez will replace him. The French defender won this trophy with Bayern Munich when they defeated Paris Saint-Germain in the 2020 final.
Arsenal have struggled to find their attacking spark recently. Their front three of Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke failed to trouble the Atletico defence enough on the night. At least Gyokeres worked hard and converted his penalty confidently. Bukayo Saka made a brief appearance from the bench, while Eberechi Eze added energy when he came on. Kai Havertz probably cannot play in the second leg due to injury.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico has been connected with a move to North London, and he would improve their squad. If Arsenal exit the competition, fans will criticise sporting director Andrea Berta. The Italian previously worked for Atletico Madrid, adding spice to the situation.