Paris Saint-Germain demonstrated their brilliance by holding off Bayern Munich to secure a place in the Champions League final against Arsenal. The task facing Mikel Arteta was laid bare as PSG’s resilience and attacking threat proved too much for Bayern.
Dembélé’s Early Goal Sets the Tone
Ousmane Dembélé’s early goal in the third minute raised hopes of another high-scoring affair. Kvaratskhelia surged into space created by Fabián Ruiz, before pulling the ball back for Dembélé to finish above Manuel Neuer. The Bayern keeper would excel thereafter but nobody could quell Dembélé’s appetite to get the job done.
Vincent Kompany had encouraged Bayern fans to create a fervent atmosphere. Munich pulsed with electricity throughout the day.
Bayern’s Pressure Not Enough
Bayern Munich applied pressure but were ultimately a yard short in execution and physical sharpness. They were smothered by PSG, and few could deny the difference between the sides over the 180 minutes.
Harry Kane scored near the end, but it was not enough to overturn the deficit. While Bayern prodded and scratched, the night’s real miracle was that Désiré Doué did not crown an unplayable second-half performance with a goal. As the minutes ticked down Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was one solid connection away from a solo strike for the ages and it was a reminder that, even when it is time to get serious, PSG will find ways to put on a show.
- Ousmane Dembélé scored in the third minute.
- Harry Kane scored for Bayern Munich.
- PSG will face Arsenal in the Champions League final.
Vincent Kompany witnessed Luis Enrique celebrating with PSG’s travelling fans. There is little doubt Kompany will be back, perhaps with a squad more deeply stocked to take the final step.