Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich combined to deliver a record-breaking contest as the French side edged a 5-4 win in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg.
The nine-goal thriller at Parc des Princes set a new benchmark for the highest-scoring semi-final in the competition’s modern era.
Record numbers underline attacking display
The match also marked the first time in a Champions League semi-final that both sides scored at least four goals, restating its status as a standout European fixture.
Harry Kane opened the scoring for Bayern from the penalty spot, but PSG responded through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and João Neves to take control.
Bayern stayed in contention as Michael Olise levelled, before Ousmane Dembélé restored PSG’s lead from the spot just before half-time.
Late fightback keeps tie open
PSG appeared to have sealed the contest early in the second half when Kvaratskhelia added his second and Dembélé struck again to give the hosts a 5-2 advantage.
However, Bayern responded with late goals from Dayot Upamecano and Luis Díaz to cut the deficit to one, keeping the tie alive ahead of the return leg in Munich.
PSG manager Luis Enrique described the match as one of the finest of his career.
“It was amazing. I think it was the best match I have ever managed as a coach,” he said.
Despite holding a narrow advantage, PSG will head into the second leg aware that Bayern’s late resurgence has left the semi-final finely balanced.
