Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated Bayern Munich 5-4 in a breathtaking first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé both scoring twice in a nine-goal spectacle.
The encounter at the Parc des Princes became the highest-scoring match ever at this stage of the competition.
Harry Kane gave Bayern the lead from the penalty spot before Kvaratskhelia equalised, and João Neves headed PSG in front. Michael Olise levelled for Bayern, but Dembélé restored PSG’s advantage with a penalty in first-half stoppage time.
The second half delivered even more drama as Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé struck again to extend PSG’s lead. Bayern responded through Dayot Upamecano before Luis Díaz added another to cap a remarkable contest.
The result leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday, with a place in the final in Budapest on May 30 at stake.
Under Luis Enrique, PSG will travel to Munich holding a narrow advantage, while Bayern remain confident of overturning the deficit on home soil.
The French champions are chasing back-to-back European titles, while Bayern are aiming for a first final appearance since their 2020 triumph.
Anthony Nlebem
Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.
