The two most productive teams of the current Champions League draw met, so few doubted that the match would be spectacular and with goals scored.
But no one could have predicted such a goal feast. Already in the first half the teams scored 5 goals, setting a Champions League record – never before had so many goals been scored in the first 45 minutes in the semi-finals of Europe’s most prestigious club tournament.
The guests were the first to score – on 17 minutes of the match English forward Harry Kane converted a penalty kick. After 7 minutes, the Georgian winger of Parisians Khvicha Kvaratskhelia completed a magnificent solo pass with a “billiard” shot flush against the bar. In the 33rd minute the stadium in Paris roared with delight when one of the shortest players on the pitch – Portuguese Joao Neves. – After a corner kick, he headed the second goal into the net of legendary Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
But the goal extravaganza and soccer beauty did not end there in the first half. In the 41st minute, Frenchman Michael Oliseh, surrounded by four PSG players, still managed to find an opportunity for a cannon shot right in front of the penalty line. Russian goalkeeper Matfey Safonov was unable to deflect the shot.
When it seemed that the first half would end like that, PSG got the right to a penalty for hand play in added time. Last year’s Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele shot irresistibly.
The beginning of the second half was discouraging for Bayern – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on 56 minutes and Ousmane Dembele on 58 minutes brought the score to 5:2 in favor of PSG.
But Bayern found the strength to get two goals back – Daio Upamecano in the 65th minute and Luis Diaz in the 68th.
The match ended with nine goals scored – another Champions League semi-final record. This victory was PSG’s 100th in the Champions League main draw. “Paris Saint-Germain” became the first French club to reach the landmark. “Bayern conceded five goals in a European Cup game for the first time since the 1994/1995 season.
The return game will take place in a week’s time in Berlin, where the Champions League finalist will be decided. The second semi-final match between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid will take place this evening.
