Champions League: PSG beat Bayern in 9-goal semi-final classic

Paris Saint-Germain secured a narrow advantage in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after a dramatic 5-4 home victory over Bayern Munich in the first leg on Tuesday.

The match became the highest-scoring semi-final in the competition’s history. Harry Kane gave Bayern the lead in the 17th minute from the penalty spot, but PSG responded strongly through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Joao Neves and Ousmane Dembele before halftime.

Bayern opened the scoring after Kane converted a penalty following Willian Pacho’s sliding challenge on Luis Diaz. PSG quickly answered, with Dembele first being denied in a one-on-one by goalkeeper Manuel Neuer before Kvaratskhelia equalised, beating Josip Stanisic and finishing into the far corner.

Neves then put PSG ahead in the 33rd minute, heading in a Dembele corner. Michael Olise restored parity for Bayern just four minutes before the break, driving into space and scoring from the edge of the area.

PSG regained the lead on the stroke of halftime when Alphonso Davies handled Dembele’s cross, and after a VAR review, Dembele converted from the penalty spot.

After the break, PSG continued to press. Achraf Hakimi created space on the right, and Kvaratskhelia completed his brace in the 56th minute. Two minutes later, Dembele added another, beating Dayot Upamecano and striking in off the inside of the post.

Bayern responded to keep the tie alive. Upamecano headed in Joshua Kimmich’s free kick in the 65th minute, and Luis Diaz cut the deficit again three minutes later after controlling Kane’s long pass, escaping Marquinhos, and finishing. The goal stood following a VAR check.

Late pressure saw Senny Mayulu hit the woodwork, while Willian Pacho cleared a Kimmich header off the line in stoppage time. PSG will carry a one-goal lead into the second leg in Munich.

“It was the kind of exchange you could expect, but not that it would be so open. It feels strange to lose by one goal after being three goals down. Especially in the end, we should have equalized. Paris was tired,” said Kimmich.

“It was a good game between two teams with strong attacking qualities, but in the end, we decided it in our favor. We managed to stay calm and focused. We know Bayern can always come back. The most important thing is to stay focused,” said Dembele.

Stabil.Az