IN a game that most thought was fit to be the final, PSG and Bayern Munich certainly delivered.
Their Champions League semi-final was never really going to disappoint, was it?
PSG and Bayern Munich played out one of the best Champions League matches of all time Credit: Getty
All of the stars turned up for this semi final showdown for the ages Credit: Reuters
And any thoughts that nerves or the occasion would stop this first leg from living up to the hype were extinguished early.
Both sides went man-to-man heavy across the pitch meaning it was played at lightning speed.
That is how Bayern took the lead in the 17th minute as Luis Diaz carved PSG apart, winning a penalty after getting into a good shooting spot.
Harry Kane converted as you knew he would. The England captain is very much the man for the big moment now.
But that joy did not last for long.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia cut inside from the left like Michael Olise would from the right for Bayern, and he brilliantly finished into the bottom corner.
Desire Doue then came close to completing a quickfire turnaround with one of plenty of dazzling dribbles on the night.
His shot, also from cutting in off the left, was deflected behind and eventually given as a corner.
Joao Neves might be the smallest player in either side but managed to time his run and jump to perfection, glancing past Manuel Neuer.
Back came Bayern, though, and Olise could not be kept quiet as he strolled through the middle of the pitch and fired past Matvey Safanov for 2-2.
PSG would go into half-time with a strut in their step, regardless.
Alphonso Davies was penalised for a harsh, very Uefa-style handball from close range and Ousmane Dembele made no mistake from the spot.
That seemed to shock Bayern, who had been every bit PSG’s equal for the first 45.
They conceded twice in two minutes to see the tie swing in Paris’ favour before the hour mark.
First, Khvaratskhelia met Doue’s run and cutback to make it 4-2.
And then Dembele got his second, pulling a ball back and past Neuer via a deflection.
Bayern were not going to lie down easily.
Just as the game looked to be getting away from them, Dayot Upamecano flicked a header in from a delicious free-kick to make it well and truly tie-on.
Diaz then made this bonkers game 5-4 after taking down a brilliant Kane pass in-behind.
He dinked the ball over Marquinhos, sold him a fake shot, and blasted in to silence the French crowd.
PSG almost got a crucial SIXTH it at the death when sub Senny Mayulu lashed a shot against the woodwork.
Then William Pacho had to clear one off the line in the final seconds as Bayern pushed to equalise.
Without a goal for over 25 minutes at the end, fans still dubbed this the game of the century.
And who can say they’re wrong?
More to follow…
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
