Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé inspired Paris Saint-Germain as they edged Bayern Munich 5-4 in a breathtaking Champions League semi-final first leg at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday. The encounter delivered relentless drama and ultimately became the highest-scoring semi-final in the competition’s modern history.
From the outset, both teams attacked with intensity. Harry Kane opened the scoring for Bayern from the penalty spot, but Kvaratskhelia quickly restored parity with a brilliant solo finish. Shortly after, João Neves headed PSG into the lead, although Michael Olise responded to level for Bayern in an end-to-end first half. Before the break, Dembélé converted a VAR-awarded penalty to give PSG a 3-2 advantage.
After halftime, PSG accelerated further. Kvaratskhelia struck again following a precise Achraf Hakimi assist, and Dembélé added his second with a sharp finish past Manuel Neuer to stretch the lead to 5-2. However, Bayern refused to collapse. Dayot Upamecano reduced the deficit with a header, and Luis Díaz added a late fourth to keep the tie alive.
Despite Bayern’s spirited response, PSG held on to secure a narrow but vital advantage ahead of the second leg in Munich. Both sides now head into the return fixture believing they can reach the final in Budapest, setting up another intense battle between Europe’s elite.
Attention now shifts to the second leg in Munich, where Bayern Munich will attempt a comeback while PSG aim to protect their slim advantage and secure a place in the Champions League final next Wednesday night decisive showdown.
