PSG beats Bayern in nine-goal thriller in UCL semifinal first leg

Paris Saint-Germain edged past Bayern Munich in a breathtaking 5-4 victory at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday night in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final. 

The nine-goal thriller became the highest-scoring semi-final in Champions League history, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of next week’s return leg in Munich.

The visitors struck first when Harry Kane converted a penalty in the 17th minute for his 54th goal of the season. 

PSG responded quickly through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who produced a brilliant solo effort to level the score before João Neves headed the French champions into the lead. 

Bayern hit back again through a superb strike from Michael Olise, but PSG regained control just before half-time when Ousmane Dembélé calmly converted from the penalty spot to give the hosts a 3-2 advantage at the break.

PSG overwhelmed Bayern early in the second half with two rapid goals that appeared to put the contest beyond reach. 

Kvaratskhelia grabbed his second of the night after excellent work from Achraf Hakimi, before Dembélé added another minutes later following an assist from Désiré Doué. 

At 5-2, the French side looked unstoppable as their attacking play tore through Bayern’s defence.

However, Bayern refused to surrender and mounted a late comeback to keep their hopes alive. 

Dayot Upamecano pulled one back with a header from a Joshua Kimmich delivery before Luis Díaz reduced the deficit further after being set up by Kane. 

The German champions pushed relentlessly in the closing stages and nearly found an equaliser deep into stoppage time, only for William Pacho to clear Kimmich’s looping header off the line.

PSG were also left sweating over the fitness of Hakimi after the defender appeared to injure his hamstring late in the match. 

With all substitution windows already used, the Moroccan international was forced to continue playing as the hosts tried to hold off Bayern’s late pressure. 

Substitute Senny Mayulu also came close to extending PSG’s lead when his powerful strike crashed against the post in the closing minutes.

Despite surrendering a three-goal cushion, PSG secured their first Champions League win over Bayern since April 2021 and will carry a narrow advantage into the decisive second leg at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday.