Paris Saint-Germain edged past Bayern Munich 5-4 in a dramatic UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg encounter on Tuesday night, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele both scoring twice in a record-breaking nine-goal thriller in Paris.
The pulsating contest at the Parc des Princes became the highest-scoring semi-final first leg in Champions League history.
Harry Kane opened the scoring for Bayern from the penalty spot before Kvaratskhelia restored parity for PSG. Joao Neves then headed the hosts into the lead, only for Michael Olise to equalise again for the visitors.
PSG regained their advantage before halftime after Dembele converted a penalty in stoppage time to make it 3-2.
The French champions extended their lead in the second half as Kvaratskhelia struck again before Dembele added PSG’s fifth goal, seemingly putting the tie beyond Bayern’s reach.
However, the German champions mounted a late fightback through Dayot Upamecano and Luis Diaz, reducing the deficit to keep the tie alive ahead of next week’s return leg at the Allianz Arena.
PSG manager Luis Enrique will take a narrow advantage back to Munich, where his side lifted the Champions League trophy last season after a 5-0 final victory over Inter Milan.
The French club is chasing back-to-back Champions League titles, while Bayern, managed by Vincent Kompany, are aiming to reach their first final since winning the competition in 2020.
Bayern started brightly and went ahead in the 17th minute after Willian Pacho fouled Diaz in the box, allowing Kane to calmly convert his penalty for his 54th goal of the season.
But PSG responded through Kvaratskhelia, who cut inside from the left wing and curled a superb strike into the far corner before Neves headed home Dembele’s corner to make it 2-1.
Olise then levelled with a powerful effort before Dembele restored PSG’s lead from the penalty spot after a VAR review ruled that Alphonso Davies handled the ball inside the area.
The home side resumed the second half with relentless attacking pressure. Kvaratskhelia finished brilliantly from Achraf Hakimi’s assist before Dembele surprised Manuel Neuer with a low finish at the near post for 5-2.
Bayern refused to surrender, however, as Upamecano headed in Joshua Kimmich’s free-kick before Diaz raced through on goal and slotted past Marquinhos to complete the scoring.
Despite the defeat, Bayern remain optimistic of overturning the deficit at home after an entertaining first leg that showcased the attacking quality of two of Europe’s strongest teams.
