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PSG Edge Bayern 5-4 in Historic Champions League Semifinal Thriller

Paris Saint-Germain defeated Bayern Munich 5-4 in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals, setting a record for the highest-scoring semifinal in competition history. Harry Kane opened the scoring for Bayern, but PSG responded with goals from Kvaratskhelia, Neves, and Dembele before halftime. Bayern fought back in the second half, but PSG held on for a narrow one-goal lead heading into the return leg in Munich. The tie remains wide open after an extraordinary, end-to-end match.

Key Points: PSG Beat Bayern 5-4 in 9-Goal Champions League Thriller

  • Highest-scoring UCL semifinal in history
  • PSG leads 5-4 after 9-goal thriller
  • Kvaratskhelia scores twice
  • Dembele scores and assists
  • Bayern fight back but fall short
2 min read

PSG edge Bayern in 9-goal Champions League SF forst-leg thriller

PSG defeat Bayern Munich 5-4 in the highest-scoring UCL semifinal first leg ever. Kvaratskhelia and Dembele shine as PSG take a one-goal lead to Munich.

"It was a good game between two teams with strong attacking qualities, but in the end, we decided it in our favor. - Ousmane Dembele"

Paris, April 29

Paris Saint-Germain took a narrow advantage in the UEFA Champions League semifinals after a thrilling 5-4 home win over Bayern Munich in the first leg.

It was the highest-scoring semifinal in the competition's history. Harry Kane's 17th-minute penalty gave Bayern the lead, but PSG responded through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Joao Neves and Ousmane Dembele before halftime.

Kane converted after Willian Pacho's sliding challenge on Luis Diaz. PSG soon hit back. After Dembele missed a one-on-one chance against goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Kvaratskhelia equalized by beating Josip Stanisic and finishing into the far corner, reports Xinhua.

Neves then headed in Dembele's corner in the 33rd minute. Michael Olise restored parity for Bayern four minutes before halftime, driving into space and scoring from the edge of the area. PSG regained the lead on the stroke of halftime when Alphonso Davies handled Dembele's cross and Dembele converted from the spot after a VAR review.

PSG continued to press after the break. Achraf Hakimi found space on the right and Kvaratskhelia completed his double in the 56th minute, before Dembele beat Dayot Upamecano and struck in off the inside of the post two minutes later.

Bayern, however, fought back to keep the tie alive. Upamecano headed in Joshua Kimmich's free kick in the 65th minute, and Diaz reduced the deficit again three minutes later after controlling Kane's long pass, escaping Marquinhos and finishing. The goal stood after a VAR check.

Senny Mayulu struck the woodwork late on and Pacho cleared a Kimmich header near the line in stoppage time. PSG will take a one-goal lead to Munich for the return leg.

"It was the kind of exchange you could expect, but not that it would be so open. It feels strange to lose by one goal after being three goals down. Especially in the end, we should have equalized. Paris was tired," said Kimmich.

"It was a good game between two teams with strong attacking qualities, but in the end, we decided it in our favor. We managed to stay calm and focused. We know Bayern can always come back. The most important thing is to stay focused," said Dembele.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As someone who loves football but usually finds European nights too defensive, this was pure entertainment! 🎉 Dembele finally showing consistency, and that Hakimi-Kvaratskhelia combo on the right was deadly. But Bayern never say die - Upamecano's header gave them hope. India needs more of this attacking intent in our ISL matches!
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Nikhil C
Honestly, PSG's defending was schoolboy-level at times. Pacho and Marquinhos looked shaky against Kane's runs. But you've got to admire their attacking firepower - 5 goals against Neuer! 😮 Kimmich is right, his team should have equalized. That cleared header on the line was heart-in-mouth stuff. European football at its chaotic best.
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Siddharth J
As a neutral fan in India who stayed up till 3 AM for this, totally worth it! 💤🔥 9 goals, VAR drama, last-minute saves - this had everything except a clean sheet. Kvaratskhelia's second goal was pure artistry. But Bayern with that 3-goal response shows why they're never out. PSG need to be careful in Munich - one early goal for Bayern and it's game on.
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Vikram M
This is what Champions League football should be - no parking the bus, just pure attacking intent from both sides. 🚌❌ Reminds me of those epic Liverpool-Barcelona clashes. Dembele's transformation under Luis Enrique is remarkable. But PSG need to tighten up - conceding 4 at home is risky. Kane's hold-up play was superb. If Bayern get an early goal in Munich, this tie could flip. Chalo, let's see who reaches the final!
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