What a game, friends! PSG resisted tooth and nail to take a 5-4 win over Bayern in a Champions League semi-final that looked like a video game.
Nine goals in 68 minutes. Yes, you read that right. The reigning champions went 5-2 up early in the second half, thanks to Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé. But Bayern, true to their strength, responded with a header from Upamecano and a missile from Luis Díaz that left everything for the return leg in Munich.
“Two great teams that attack and hide nothing. We know that Bayern is a great team, but so are we,” Dembélé said. “At 5-2 we stopped playing a little. It was an incredible match, but now we are going to Munich to qualify.”
The drama started early. Kane put Bayern ahead from a penalty in the 17th minute, but Kvaratskhelia quickly equalized. Then, João Neves, the 1.70m little guy, headed in a corner to put PSG ahead. Olise equalized with a shot between three defenders, and just before half-time, a controversial penalty by Davies gave PSG the lead again.
The second half was a see-saw. Bayern dominated the start, but PSG expanded with goals from Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé. When it seemed doomed, Upamecano headed a free kick and Luis Díaz, with a powerful shot, left the score at 5-4. The Colombian was a constant headache for the Parisian defense.
The ending was heart-stopping. Pacho saved a header from Kimmich on the line in added time. PSG suffered, but endured. As Marquinhos says: “I think all football lovers enjoyed it. It was a real pleasure to play.”
The return leg will be on Wednesday in Munich. Bayern, with its fans, will seek to come back. PSG, with its talent, will try to survive. One thing is certain: this clash of titans is not over.
Meanwhile, Atlético hosts Arsenal tomorrow. Football never stops giving us emotions.
