- It’s PSG 5 vs Bayern Munich 4 in first leg s-final tie
- Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé torment German giants in tactical masterclass
An absolutely electric night at the Parc des Princes has written itself into Champions League folklore, with defending champions, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), narrowly beating Bayern Munich 5-4 in an epic nine-goal thriller that defied all logic.
In a match that rapidly descended into pure, exhilarating chaos, it was the blistering double-acts of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele, both striking twice, that sent the French side into a stunning 5-2 lead in this semi-final first leg encounter.
Though the Bavarians clawed back to make it 5-4 and keep the tie hanging in the balance, Coach Luis Enrique’s PSG men digged deep to emerge triumphant in a first-leg showdown that will be talked about for generations.
Bayern actually began the brighter of the two teams and took a deserved lead from the penalty spot in the 17th minute, with Harry Kane converting after Willian Pacho had clumsily felled Luis Diaz in the area.
However, Kvaratskhelia quickly levelled for PSG after bamboozling Aleksandar Pavlovic with his fast feet before Joao Neves headed home Dembele’s corner to make it 2-1 to the hosts after just over half an hour of play.
Bayern restored parity through a Michael Olise thunderbolt, but PSG edged back in front just before the break when Dembele buried a penalty that had been dubiously awarded for an alleged handball by Alphonso Davies.
Kvaratskhelia and Dembele then finished off superb second-half counter-attacks as the hosts looked set to take a big lead with them to Germany for next week’s second leg at the Allianz Arena.
However, some seriously poor defending from a PSG back four that struggled all evening allowed Bayern to leave the tie beautifully balanced, with goals from Dayot Upamecano and Diaz dragging the Bundesliga winners straight back into it.
Both teams had chances to add further goals, with Senny Mayulu crashing a shot against the post before Kimmich had a stoppage-time header cleared off the line by Pacho.
In the end, things are set up for an absolutely thrilling second leg showpiece at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday. – With Goal.com reports
