Record-breaking nine-goal first leg leaves tie finely poised ahead of Munich return
Paris
Titleholders Paris Saint-Germain produced one of the greatest matches in Champions League history, edging past Bayern Munich 5-4 in a chaotic, end-to-end semifinal first leg at Parc des Princes.
The nine-goal thriller is now the highest-scoring semifinal match ever in the competition, with both sides trading blows in a contest defined by relentless attacking football, defensive errors and dramatic momentum swings.
PSG surged to a 5-2 lead early in the second half, powered by brilliant doubles from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé, as the hosts overwhelmed Bayern with rapid counterattacks and clinical finishing.
“We deserved to win, we deserved to lose, we deserved to draw,” PSG coach Luis Enrique said. “It was an exceptional match, I have never experienced such intensity.”
Bayern, however, refused to collapse. Trailing by three goals, they mounted a fierce comeback with a header from Dayot Upamecano and a powerful strike from Luis Díaz reducing the deficit and setting up a tense second leg in Munich.
Harry Kane had earlier given Bayern the lead from the penalty spot before PSG responded through Kvaratskhelia, João Neves and Dembélé, while controversial refereeing decisions added further fuel to an already explosive encounter.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, speaking from the stands due to suspension, vowed an aggressive approach in the return leg.
“There is no middle ground. We will give everything,” Kompany said, as Bayern aim to overturn the one-goal deficit at the Allianz Arena.
PSG’s attacking intent was evident throughout, with rapid transitions repeatedly exposing Bayern’s high defensive line. Despite their dominance, the hosts were forced into last-ditch defending late on, with a clearance off the line preserving their narrow advantage.
Dembélé, who converted a crucial penalty, insisted PSG will not change their approach in Germany. “We won’t change our way of playing. It will be two teams who attack,” he said.
The second leg in Munich next week promises another high-voltage encounter, with a place in the final in Budapest on May 30 at stake.
