The Parc des Princes witnessed one of its wildest evenings in history. Paris Saint-Germain dominated Bayern Munich for sixty minutes, built a comfortable lead, then watched the opponent come back to within one goal before the final whistle. Final score: 5-4. Advantage Paris, but just barely.
Two goals each from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele had the Parisians leading 5-2 by the 58th minute. What looked like a smooth qualification turned into a nightmare in less than ten minutes.
Dayot Upamecano’s header from a free kick brought Bayern back to 5-3 (65th minute). Luis Diaz, having a remarkable game, extended the lead with a perfect curling shot (5-4, 68th minute). The last twenty minutes were a nail-biter. Goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, crucial against Michael Olise (79th minute), and defender Pacho, who denied Joshua Kimmich in stoppage time, prevented the equalizer. Paris can breathe a sigh of relief, but the outcome remains on a fragile thread.
The qualification will be decided on May 6th at the Allianz Arena, where PSG crushed Inter Milan 5-0 last year to clinch the title. The final is set for Budapest on May 30th. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany refused to draw conclusions: “The final of this match is next week, and I expect the same.” Luis Enrique praised “two teams of incredible level.” The uncertainty about Achraf Hakimi’s presence complicates matters for Paris. The Moroccan full-back left the field with a thigh injury, with no available substitute.
