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

The Parc des Princes experienced one of the craziest nights in its history. Paris Saint-Germain dominated Bayern Munich for sixty minutes, built a comfortable lead, then watched as the opponent came back to within one goal before the final whistle. Final score: 5-4. Advantage Paris, but just barely.

Two goals each from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé had the Parisians up 5-2 in the 58th minute. What seemed like a smooth 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, with a remarkable performance, sealed the deal with a perfect curling shot (5-4, 68th minute). The last twenty minutes were a nail-biter. Goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, crucial against Michael Olise (79th minute), and defender Pacho, who denied Joshua Kimmich in stoppage time, prevented the equalizer. Paris breathes a sigh of relief, but the outcome remains 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.” The uncertainty about Achraf Hakimi’s presence complicates things for Paris. The Moroccan full-back left the field with a thigh injury and no substitute available.