PSG 5-4 Bayern Munich: Paris take slender lead into Munich after nine-goal thriller

Paris Saint-Germain are gearing up for their toughest challenge of the season so far as they are facing Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich in the first-leg of their Champions League semi-finals at the Parc des Princes. Earlier, the Bavarians had managed a convincing 2-1 away victory against the European Champions in the League Phase of the competition.

While the suspended Vincent Kompany is set to miss five players for the upcoming clash, Luis Enrique will have the entirety of his group available, only missing young prospect Quentin Ndjantou. Portuguese international Vitinha makes his return from injury and will feature in the starting lineup, alongside Warren Zaire-Emery and Joao Neves in midfield. In defence, Marquinhos will partner Willian Pacho in the heart of Paris' backline while Hakimi and Nuno Mendes slot at the full-back positions. Ousmane Dembélé will lead the front line with Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Paris Saint-Germain's starting XI: Safonov; Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Hakimi; Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, Doué.

Bayern Munich's starting XI: Manuel Neuer; Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic, Davies; Kimmich, Pavlovic, Musiala, Olise, Diaz; Kane.

Paris comes out on top after historical nine-goal thriller

In an incandescent Parc des Princes, both sides opened the game with high intensity, nonetheless, the visitors proved to be the more dangerous team and were awarded a penalty after a foul on Diaz by Willian Pacho (16'). Harry Kane stepped up and made no mistake from the spot to open the scoring and give the lead to his team (17'). The Englisman scored his 13th goal of the Champions League campaign, his 54th of the season.

Shortly, Olise had a golden chance to give a two-goal lead to his team but was denied by a remarkable save from Matvey Safonov and Marquinhos goal-line clearance (19'). A great through ball was given to Ousmane Dembélé set for a duel with Manuel Neuer but the Ballon d'Or completely missed the target. No worries for the Parisians as Kvaratskhelia equalised shortly after to reignite the hope of the whole stadium (24'). The Georgian is now up to nine goals in the competition.

The equaliser change the dynamic of the game and Joao Neves scored the second goal of his side to give them the lead from a corner (33'). Another fastbreak produced a new big chance for the Parisians to score but Doué's effort went just wide of Neuer's right post. Just before the halftime, Michael Olise put both sides on level terms once again with a thunderous strike from just outside the box, leaving no chance to Safonov (41'). With the final kick of the first half, Ousmane Dembélé gave once again the lead to PSG from the spot after Davies' handball (45+5').

At the start of the second half, Kvaratskhelia gave a two-goal cushion to his team with a brilliant finish (56'). Shortly after, Ousmane Dembélé had a brace for himself too, making it 5-2 for the host with a clever finish (59').

Dayot Upamecano closed the gap between the two sides with a header after a pinpoint set-piece from Joshua Kimmich (65'). What a game! Out of nowhere, Bayern Munich is back in the game with another goal coming from Luis Diaz (68').

Despite several opportunities for both sides, the score remained unchanged and Paris secured an important victory ahead of the second-leg that will take place in Munich next Wednesday.

Add us as a preferred source on Google