Champions League: PSG strikes hard then falters against Bayern before the return to Munich

The Parc des Princes witnessed one of the wildest evenings in its history. Paris Saint-Germain dominated Bayern Munich for sixty minutes, built a comfortable lead, then saw the opponent come back to within one goal before the final whistle. Final score: 5-4. Advantage Paris, but narrowly.

Two goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele had the Parisians up 5-2 in the 58th minute. What looked like an easy qualification turned into a nightmare in less than ten minutes.

Dayot Upamecano’s header from a free kick brought Bayern back to 5-3 (65th minute). Luis Diaz, having a remarkable match, sealed it with a perfect curling shot (5-4, 68th minute). The last twenty minutes were a siege. Goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, crucial against Michael Olise (79th minute), and defender Pacho, denying Joshua Kimmich in stoppage time, prevented the equalizer. Paris can breathe a sigh of relief, but the outcome hangs on a fragile hypothesis.

The qualification will be decided on May 6th at the Allianz Arena, where PSG crushed Inter Milan 5-0 last year to win the title. The final is set for Budapest on May 30th. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany refused to draw conclusions: “The final of this match is next week, and I expect the same.” Luis Enrique, on the other hand, praised “two teams of an incredible level.” Uncertainty about Achraf Hakimi’s availability complicates matters for Paris. The Moroccan full-back left the field with a thigh injury, with no substitute available.