PSG vs Bayern Munich: 5 things to look out for ahead of the Champions League clash

Paris Saint-Germain will face Bayern Munich in the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Parc des Princes. Both sides have faced each other many times, delivering top games, in their latest clash, Vincent Kompany's team has defeated the Parisians 2-1 in the League Phase of the competition, giving to Harry Kane and his teammates a slight edge over the Parisians.

Here are five things to keep an eye on in tomorrow’s semi-final game.

Five things to look out for ahead of the Champions League semi-final clash

1) Michael Olisé vs Ousmane Dembélé

One of the biggest selling points of this tie is this clash between two French wingers, both of whom have been on absolutely top form so far this season, and both of whom were decisive in their respective quarter-finals victories. Dembélé scored two marvellous goals at Anfield to sink Liverpool, while Olisé curled in a stunning strike in the dying embers of the match against Real Madrid. The two players will surely excite the world as they link up this summer for France at the World cup, but for now they’re on opposite sides – and it’s not too much of a stretch to assume that whichever of the two lights up the tie more, will see their side qualify for the final.

2) Enrique’s midfield makeup

It is now possible that Vitinha, who originally seemed certain to miss tomorrow’s game, will actually be fit enough to be involved in the tie – with some sources stating that the Portuguese midfielder has been able to manage the ankle injury that had originally kept him out, and is now back and available. Whether or not Vitinha will be fit enough to start is one thing, as Enrique has some choices to make in midfield: Beraldo has impressed there lately, just like Zaire Emery – who won’t start at full back if Nuno Mendes is back fit and firing. Overall there are a number of tactical choices left for Enrique to make, all of which will be key in the balance of the tie.

3) Can PSG make home advantage count in the first leg?

Tomorrow’s first leg will take place at the Parc des Princes, and PSG simply have to try and make the most of this initial home advantage before travelling to the Allianz arena next Wednesday for what is an intimidating return match. The PSG supporters, always reliable on big European nights, will have to turn up the atmosphere on Tuesday, as it would be good for PSG to not go back to Germany trailing in the tie.

4) Will Harry Kane turn up for Bayern Munich?

This season has arguably been the very best of Harry Kane’s stellar club career, as the English marksman has shone for Bayern Munich this year, already scoring 12 goals in 11 Champions League games. There have long been questions marks about Kane’s big game record, as the striker has sometimes been accused of disappearing in important moments. This week’s game is the biggest of his Bayern career so far, and PSG’s defence will have to rise up to the task if they are to stop him from leading his side to the final – but the pressure will also be on Kane to finally step up when it matters most.

5) Will PSG’s winning experience see them over the line?

While there are a few players who are leftover in Bayern’s squad from their last Champions League success in 2020, namely Joshua Kimmich and Serge Gnabry, PSG’s team overall is the one more accustomed to European success, with Bayern’s recent continental campaigns being characterised by a series of defeats in games that they should not have lost, perhaps most evidently their 2022 home loss to Villarreal in the quarter finals, or last year’s fiasco against Inter at the same stage. PSG, on the other hand (who, incidentally, were defeated by Bayern in that 2020 final), now have the advantage of experience of winning the Champions League with this group of players – something that could make a psychological difference in tomorrow’s clash.

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