PSG 5-4 Bayern Munich: Reigning European champions PSG are on course to reach their second successive Champions League final after their best-ever victory at the Parc des Princes
PSG beat Bayern Munich 5-4 in the All-Time Classic (Image: Getty Images)
Juventus 2-3 Manchester United. Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona. Inter Milan 4-3 Barcelona. This one almost surpassed them all.
Paris Saint-Germain’s ridiculous 5-4 victory over Bayern Munich was not only one of the most shocking Champions League semi-finals, but it might also be the best the competition has ever seen.
And perhaps it was a reminder to Arsenal and Atlético, who will meet in the second semi-final on Wednesday night, that the teams who emerge from that draw will face a difficult task in the final.
The French capital put on some simply sensational football. Hviča Kvaratschelia and Michael Olise stole the show with their stunning shots, Harry Kane continued his incredible goalscoring run in the Champions League, and there were some frankly ridiculous refereeing calls.
PSG, coached by Luis Enrique, are considered favorites to reach the final, but that is only a slim chance. Indeed, it was a terrible start for the hosts, with England striker Kane opening the scoring with a penalty after Luis Dias was brought down by Willian Pacho.
read more: Urgent warning over weather conditions for Atlético Madrid vs Arsenal Champions League matchread more: Martin Odegaard sends emotional message to star of Arsenal’s historic seven matches
Join us on Facebook! For the latest news, analysis and more on Mirror Football’s Facebook page
However, PSG were only seven minutes behind. Kvaratschelia was given acres of space on the right, darted into Bayern’s box and fired a deadly finish low and out of Manuel Neuer’s reach.
The reigning European champions then completed the comeback with a goal from Joao Neves, with the Portuguese midfielder scoring from a corner kick from Ousmane Dembele.
Entertainment continued to be plentiful as Bayern fought back again without coach Vincent Kompany. Olise, like Kvaratschelia, tiptoed into PSG’s box and unleashed a stunning drive to score his 20th goal of what has been a sensational campaign.
Harry Kane gave Bayern Munich the lead from the penalty spot (Image: Getty Images)
As half-time approached, there was still time for further intrigue as the hosts were awarded a penalty. David Alaba blocked Dembele’s cross with his hand, but it clearly hit his thigh before his outstretched arm.
The referee was forced into the VAR booth and awarded a penalty, which Dembele duly awarded, ending a suffocating first half.
It was a sign of the times that they didn’t score a goal for 10 minutes after the break, but Kvaratskhelia ensured that the wait was over. Achraf Hakimi’s low cross was missed by several of PSG’s stars, but the Georgian remained calm and calmly finished.
Hviča Kvaratschelia was sensational against Bayern Munich (Image: Getty Images)
It was with five hours remaining that Dembele’s finish hit the post, leaving the aging Manuel Neuer with little chance. At that point, Bayern looked like they were about to be blown to the point of no return, despite their exciting attacking play.
There was no need to worry. Dayot Upamecano quickly got the nod, giving the visitors fresh hope towards the end.
And they capitalized on that lifeline when Dias latched on to a fine pass from Kane and fired past Matvei Safonov. A quick VAR check cut short his celebrations, but the goal was ultimately awarded.
With all eyes on next week’s rematch with Allianz, the Colombian’s goal will give Bayern a boost, with PSG hoping to secure a place in the final, while Bayern will need to come back from behind.
It would be a shame for either of these teams to see their European success come to an end in the fourth and final stage. Considering the quality of both players, I don’t think there will be many people who would be disappointed in them advancing to the finals. In any case, they will be eliminated in the second leg of the semi-finals, but it will be highly anticipated.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+ and Ultimate TV packages
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundles to include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, plus 135 channels and complete coverage of the Premier League and EFL from Sky.
Sky has over 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more, with at least 215 of them live from the top flight, along with F1, darts and golf.
