khvicha kvaratskhelia scored twice for PSG against Bayern (Image: Getty)
Juventus 2-3 Manchester United. Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona. Inter Milan 4-3 Barcelona. This one surpassed them all. Paris Saint-Germain’s extraordinary 5-4 victory over Bayern Munich is not merely one of the most breathtaking Champions League semi-finals in memory – it may well be the greatest match the competition has ever witnessed.
And it served as a fresh warning to Arsenal and Atletico – who clash in Wednesday night’s second semi-final – that whoever advances from that tie will face a formidable challenge in the final in Budapest next month. There was some truly spectacular football on display in the French capital; Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Michael Olise dazzled with magnificent strikes, Harry Kane maintained his remarkable Champions League goalscoring record, and the officials made some frankly bewildering decisions.
Luis Enrique’s PSG are narrow favourites to book their place in the final. However, it couldn’t have started any worse for the hosts, as England striker Kane converted from the penalty spot for his 55th Bayern goal of the season after Luis Diaz was brought down by Willian Pacho.
PSG were only behind for seven minutes, however. Kvaratskhelia was afforded acres of space down the right, danced into the Bayern box and curled a lethal finish low beyond the grasp of Manuel Neuer. The reigning European champions then completed the remarkable comeback through Joao Neves as the Portuguese midfielder headed home from Ousmane Dembele’s corner.
The drama continued to flow freely as Bayern, operating without manager Vincent Kompany, struck back once more. Olise, much like Kvaratskhelia, danced his way into the PSG box and unleashed a stunning drive for his 20th goal of what has been a truly exceptional campaign.
There was still time for further controversy on the stroke of half-time as the hosts were handed a penalty. David Alaba blocked Dembele’s cross with his hand, though it clearly struck his thigh before hitting his outstretched arm.
Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich were beaten despite scoring four goals in Paris (Image: Getty)
The referee was compelled to consult the VAR booth and subsequently awarded a spot-kick that was coolly converted by Dembele, bringing a breathless opening half to a close.
Ten minutes without a goal after the restart felt like an eternity, but Kvaratskhelia ensured that wait came to an emphatic conclusion. Achraf Hakimi’s low cross evaded a couple of PSG players but not the Georgian, who slotted home with consummate ease.
It was then five before the hour mark as Dembele’s low finish off the post left the veteran Manuel Neuer with little chance. At that point, it appeared that despite all their spirited attacking football, Bayern were on course to be overwhelmed beyond recovery.
Ousmane Dembele bagged a first-leg brace for PSG (Image: Getty)
As it turned out, such fears were premature. Dayot Upamecano swiftly headed home to hand the visitors renewed belief heading into the final stages. And they capitalised on that reprieve as Diaz latched onto Kane’s magnificent pass and struck beyond Matvei Safonov. A momentary VAR review delayed his celebrations but the goal was ultimately awarded.
The Colombian’s strike hands Bayern a fighting chance as focus shifts to next week’s return fixture at the Allianz, with PSG aiming to confirm their place in the final, while Bayern will harbour thoughts of mounting a fightback.
It is unfortunate that either of these two teams will see their European campaign finish at the semi-final stage. Considering the standard displayed by both, there wouldn’t be many who would deny them a spot in the final. Regardless, one will exit in a semi-final second leg that has much to deliver.