PSG celebrates their opening goal against Bayern in the champions league semifinal second leg at Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany on 6/5. Photo: Reuters

Following a 9-goal thriller in the first leg, the rematch in Munich continued at a breakneck pace. Bayern started with thunderous "Bayern, Bayern" chants echoing from the Allianz Arena stands, but this atmosphere was quickly silenced by an exemplary PSG attack.

In the 3rd minute, Fabian Ruiz delivered a one-touch through ball, allowing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to burst down the left flank. Despite heavy rain in Munich, the Georgian player accelerated past Dayot Upamecano before delivering a precise cross for Dembele to strike a one-touch shot with his left foot, slamming it into the top corner past Manuel Neuer. The British newspaper Guardian described it as "a devastating counter-attack."

According to Opta, the goal was scored in the 139th second, making it the third earliest in Champions League semifinal history, behind only Kevin De Bruyne in 2022 and Marcus Thuram last season. This also marked Dembele's third consecutive Champions League goal for PSG. In his last three matches in the competition, the French forward has been involved in 6 goals, scoring 5 and assisting one.

Kvaratskhelia continued to be central to PSG's play. His assist for Dembele made him the first player to either score or assist in 7 consecutive knockout matches in a single Champions League season. The player nicknamed "Kvaradona" has contributed to 16 goals in the Champions League this season, with 10 goals and 6 assists. This achievement is a record for a PSG player in a single season.

Kvaratskhelia's dribbling, along with the 20-year-old talent Desire Doue, disoriented Bayern's defense. PSG launched numerous attacks, forcing Neuer to make 5 saves. The reigning Champions League winners' attacking plays were praised by former legend Steven Gerrard as "attacking football at the highest level."

With elite attacking players like Harry Kane, Luis Diaz, and Michael Olise, Bayern also created numerous opportunities. However, the hosts could not beat goalkeeper Matvey Safonov. In the 44th minute, Musiala unleashed a dangerous low shot after combining with Olise, but Safonov dove to save it. Earlier, Pacho had repeatedly blocked shots from Kane and Olise inside the penalty area.

The biggest flashpoint of the match involved two controversial incidents in the first half. In the 29th minute, the ball struck Nuno Mendes' hand, despite the PSG defender already having a yellow card, yet the referee awarded PSG a free-kick in a puzzling decision. Bayern players protested fiercely, and coach Vincent Kompany was visibly enraged on the sidelines.

Two minutes later, Vitinha cleared the ball, hitting his teammate Joao Neves' hand inside the PSG penalty area. Bayern again appealed for a penalty, but VAR confirmed the referee's decision not to award one. The British newspaper Daily Mail commented that they did not understand why the hosts were not awarded a penalty.

Bayern players react to the referee after not being awarded a penalty in the 31st minute. Photo: Reuters

The Munich crowd was enraged by the referee's decisions, losing their composure. In the 34th minute, a lighter was thrown onto the pitch near where Dembele was preparing to take a corner kick. Neuer immediately ran to the stands, asking Bayern fans to stop throwing objects.

Although Bayern pressed for most of the game, PSG stood firm. Late in the first half, center-back Jonathan Tah missed a golden opportunity, heading wide of the post when unmarked.

In the second half, PSG became even more dangerous on the counter-attack. Doue repeatedly penetrated Bayern's defense with his rapid dribbling. In the 64th minute, the 20-year-old dribbled past 4 Bayern players before unleashing a low shot across the goal, forcing Neuer to make a diving save. The Telegraph called it a shot that could have been the "goal of the tournament" if it had gone in.

According to Fotmob statistics, PSG has not lost a match when leading after the first half since 4/2025, a streak spanning 37 games. Luis Enrique's team extended this record at Allianz Arena, reaching the Champions League final for the second consecutive time.

Hoang An