Beyond the on-field action, the match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on 5/7 was marked by red cards and a severe injury to Jamal Musiala. In first-half stoppage time, the German midfielder, attempting to save the ball, collided heavily with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and went down in visible pain with a distorted ankle.
In the 82nd minute, Willian Pacho received a straight red card for a rough challenge on Leno Goretzka in midfield. In added time, Lucas Hernandez was also sent off for striking Raphael Guerreiro in front of referee Anthony Taylor.
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The collision with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma resulted in a serious injury for Jamal Musiala. Photo: Reuters |
The collision with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma resulted in a serious injury for Jamal Musiala. Photo: Reuters
"Musiala was unfortunately crushed by Donnarumma's fall," Enrique said after the match, wishing the Bayern midfielder a speedy recovery. "Injuries happen in top-level sports. There was no malicious intent. We are not a violent club or one that likes to commit fouls."
The Spanish coach felt the referee made some strange decisions that disadvantaged PSG after Musiala's injury. However, he admitted Pacho deserved to be dismissed for the challenge on Goretzka. "Playing against Bayern with 11 players is already difficult. With 9, it's like playing the lottery," Enrique said.
Despite being two men down, PSG defeated Bayern with two late goals. In the 78th minute, Desire Doue dribbled through and scored from outside the box into the near corner, deceiving Manuel Neuer, whose view was obstructed by Jonathan Tah. In the sixth minute of added time, Achraf Hakimi broke through three Bayern players before assisting Ousmane Dembele for a clinical finish to seal a 2-0 victory.
Enrique praised PSG's resilience and excellent effort. "We proved that we are a hard team to beat," the 55-year-old coach stated. "We played well both with and without the ball."
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Coach Luis Enrique celebrates after PSG's 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final at Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA on 5/7/2025. Photo: Elgrafico |
Coach Luis Enrique celebrates after PSG's 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final at Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA on 5/7/2025. Photo: Elgrafico
Meanwhile, captain Marquinhos emphasized PSG's determination to avenge their 1-0 defeat to Bayern in the Champions League group stage at the Allianz Arena on 26/11/2024.
"We had a score to settle with Bayern and really wanted to win this match," the Brazilian defender explained. "The red cards are something we need to address. Playing with fewer players can change the course of a game. But we continued to push and scored the second goal even when shorthanded. The team is ready for anything."
Achraf Hakimi added, "We have gone through a lot of difficult moments this season, but the team has shown character, resilience, and unity in adversity. We want to continue in this tournament and are contenders for the title."
Compiled by Hong Duy
