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The tone was set for the epic European clash as both sets of fans unleashed massive tiffs before kick-off – PSG emblazoned with the words ‘European Victory’, while the visitors’ banner urged their side to ‘give it their all’.
Both sides did just that during a chaotic opening 45 minutes at the Parc des Princes.
It was fitting that the two top scorers in the Champions League this season should have put five goals on the scoreboard in a thrilling and tight-fisted opening period.
Harry Kane’s penalty was canceled out by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s clinical finish, before Joao Neves’ glancing header and Michael Olise’s individual brilliance leveled the side.
PSG’s penalty after Bayern defender Alphonso Davies was adjudged to have handled Ousmane Dembele’s cross in the box was considered by many to be harsh. Dembele stayed calm and converted to give PSG a 3-2 lead at the break.
But the controversial incident has finally been overturned, with what pundits are calling one of the worst football halves ever seen.
Former England captain Alan Shearer said on Amazon Prime: “I can’t stop smiling at how open this game is and how good it is.
“It’s one of the greatest games I’ve ever seen. Two teams that believe in their own abilities to beat their opponents even more.”
Chaos continued after the break as PSG built a three-goal cushion, again through Kvaratchelia and Dembele, leaving some to wonder if the result had been settled.
But Bayern were not willing to win their first Champions League title since 2020.
Goals from Dayot Upamecano and Diaz came as the hosts finished with a narrow advantage amid shocked silence from the home fans and no reaction from the PSG players.
Luis Enrique added: “I’ve been in management for over 15 years, and I have to say it was a very interesting (game).
“It’s important to show that trying to play football, OK, we’re not happy as a coach when four goals are scored, but I’m happy to win.”
It is the first time both teams have scored at least four goals in any European semi-final and only the second time in a Champions League play-off since Chelsea and Liverpool drew 4-4 in the 2008-09 quarter-finals.
PSG scored 43 goals to Bayern’s 42, making it the first time both teams have scored more than 40 goals each in the Champions League.
