Paris Saint-Germain have booked their place in a second consecutive UEFA Champions League final, eliminating Bayern Munich across one of the most extraordinary two-legged ties in the history of the competition.
The reigning champions drew 1-1 at the Allianz Arena in the second leg on Wednesday, May 6, advancing 6-5 on aggregate to seal their place in the final.
PSG defeated Bayern Munich 5-4 in one of the most extraordinary Champions League semi-final first legs of all time at the Parc des Princes on April 28. Despite going a goal down early in the first half, the hosts rallied to lead 5-2 before the hour mark.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was outstanding, netting twice, with Joao Neves and Ousmane Dembélé also on the scoresheet — Dembélé grabbing a brace including a penalty. Bayern hit back through Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Dayot Upamecano, and Luis Díaz, with those two late goals setting up a tantalizing second leg and leaving both teams confident they could progress.
The match became the highest-scoring Champions League semifinal leg of all time.
PSG essentially put the tie to bed just two minutes after the opening whistle in Munich.
Ousmane Dembélé delivered an early blow, slotting home a clinical finish following a sensational run and assist from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Holding a commanding 6-4 aggregate lead, PSG looked comfortable throughout, while Bayern Munich struggled under the mounting pressure of needing a massive comeback to keep their hopes alive.
Bayern pushed for an equalizer that left space at the back — something PSG looked to exploit on the counter, with wingers Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué always dangerous.
Manuel Neuer was called upon to make several crucial stops, including two in quick succession to deny Doué and Kvaratskhelia.
Harry Kane eventually pulled one back for Bayern, but it proved too little too late as PSG held firm to clinch the tie 6-5 on aggregate.
When it came down to know-how, resilience and clinical finishing, it was PSG’s class that ultimately prevailed.
Under Luis Enrique, the Parisians have become one of, if not the dominant force in the European game — with a young squad full of togetherness, tenacity and a tireless work ethic.
PSG’s last visit to Munich ended with them hammering Inter Milan 5-0 in last season’s final, winning the Champions League for the first time in their history.
Now, the Parisians stand on the brink of making it back-to-back European crowns.
PSG will face Arsenal in the Champions League final in Budapest.
For the Parisians, history awaits. For Bayern, the dream is over — at least for another year.
