The defending European Champions and their German opponents delivered one of the competition’s greatest games top open their semifinal
17:21 ET, 28 Apr 2026Updated 17:21 ET, 28 Apr 2026
PSG is just barely in control of its Champions League semifinal after a 5-4 battle with Bayern(Image: Alex Grimm, Getty Images)
Juventus 2-3 Manchester United. Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona. Inter Milan 4-3 Barcelona. This match pretty much topped them all.
Paris Saint-Germain’s incredible 5-4 victory over Bayern Munich isn’t merely one of the most astonishing Champions League semifinals — it could be the greatest match the tournament has ever witnessed.
It served as a stark warning to Arsenal and Atletico, set to compete in Wednesday evening’s second semifinal, that whichever team advances will confront a formidable challenge in the final.
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The French capital witnessed some truly spectacular soccer. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Michael Olise delivered breathtaking goals, Harry Kane maintained his remarkable Champions League scoring streak, and there were some genuinely baffling calls from the officials.
Luis Enrique’s PSG are slight favorites to reach the final. The home side endured the worst possible opening when England striker Kane converted from the penalty spot after Luis Diaz was brought down by Willian Pacho.
Harry Kane and Bayern Munich are just a goal down after fighting to stay in the tie(Image: Alexander Hassenstein, Getty Images)
PSG’s deficit lasted just seven minutes, though. Kvaratskhelia found himself with plenty of room down the right flank, weaved into the Bayern box and bent a devastating shot low past Manuel Neuer’s reach. The reigning European champions then completed the turnaround through Joao Neves as the Portuguese midfielder nodded home from Ousmane Dembele’s corner.
The entertainment kept on coming as Bayern, missing manager Vincent Kompany, fought back once more. Olise, mirroring Kvaratskhelia’s approach, danced into the PSG box and unleashed a stunning strike for his 20th goal of what has been a remarkable season.
More drama unfolded right on the stroke of half-time when the hosts were handed a penalty. David Alaba blocked Dembele’s cross with his hand, though it clearly struck his thigh before hitting his outstretched arm.
The referee was compelled to consult the VAR booth and ultimately awarded a penalty, which Dembele coolly converted, wrapping up a breathtaking first half.
Bayern hosts PSG in the second leg next week(Image: Mattia Ozbot – UEFA, UEFA via Getty Images)
Ten minutes without a goal after the restart felt like an eternity, but Kvaratskhelia ended that wait emphatically. Achraf Hakimi’s low cross was missed by a couple of PSG players, but not by the Georgian, who finished with style.
It was then five before the hour mark as Dembele’s low finish off the post left the veteran Manuel Neuer with no chance. At that stage, it appeared that despite Bayern’s spirited attacking play, they were on the verge of being overwhelmed beyond recovery.
That concern proved premature. Dayot Upamecano swiftly headed home to inject fresh hope for the visitors heading into the final stages. They capitalized on that opportunity when Diaz connected with Kane’s brilliant pass and slotted it beyond Matvéi Safónov. A quick VAR review temporarily halted his celebrations, though the goal ultimately stood.
The Colombian’s strike provides Bayern with a fighting chance heading into next week’s return fixture at the Allianz, with PSG aiming to book their spot in the final while Bayern plot a comeback.
It feels unfortunate that one of these two teams will have their European campaign concluded at the semi-final stage. Considering the caliber displayed by both clubs, few would dispute either deserving a place in the showpiece. Regardless, one will be eliminated in a second leg that has significant expectations to meet.