PSG 1 - 2 Bayern Munich: Match Report - 10-Men Bayern Hold Off the Current Champions Through Díaz Brace

Adam

Content Writer

Bayern Munich go top of the UEFA Champions League table with a 2-1 win at the Parc Des Princes, despite being a man down. 

PSG’s night at the Parc Des Princes was spoiled by Vincent Kompany’s fantastic Bayern Munich side, who were simply too good for Luis Enrique’s team to prove that the Bavarians are real Champions League contenders.

Kompany’s side now makes it 16 successive wins in all competitions, with Enrique complementing Bayern in his post-match interview as the “best team in Europe.”

Match Events - As it happened

Inside four minutes, a fluid attack from Bayern Munich’s frontmen led to Luis Díaz opening the scoring for Bayern Munich through a rebound as fellow teammate Michael Olise’s attempt on goal was poorly parried by PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.

Bayern Munich continued to put the pressure on with PSG losing the ball in their own half, failing to play out the back due to Kompany’s high press setup. 

In the 22nd minute, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé saw his equaliser ruled out for offside after a chested finish from Fabián Ruiz’s low-bouncing cross.

After the VAR interval that determined Dembélé to be offside, the Frenchman was brought off the pitch, substituted for Kang-In Lee. Dembélé’s appearance for tonight’s game was always up for debate due to his struggles in returning to full fitness following a hamstring injury in September. 

Just after the 30-minute mark, Luis Díaz’s low driven attempt beat the diving Lucas Chevalier but hit the inside of the far post. The Colombian winger was really in the mood.

Over a minute after hitting the post, Luis Díaz capitalised on Marquinhos’s complacency by nicking the ball of the PSG captain to give the Colombian a clear sight on goal. Here, he finished emphatically, beating Chevalier and the post to get his and Bayern’s second of the night.

Luis Enrique endured another painful ten minutes from the stands, in which the Spaniard has been experimenting with by taking inspiration from the NFL and Rugby. 

Bayern Munich really continued to pile on the pressure by creating more chances, even having Josip Stanišić’s goal ruled out for offside after errors from the PSG midfield and defence.

However, there was hope for PSG as during added time in the first half, Luis Díaz scissor tackled full-back Achraf Hakimi from behind, which led to a red card from the use of VAR, which saw Bayern go down to 10 men. 

Hakimi’s night was brought to a close following the tackle, coming off injured, adding to Enrique’s list of injuries, which consisted of Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé.

Despite having a spare man in the second half, PSG really struggled to find any rhythm, with Bayern still creating chances. 

The only man really trying to produce something for PSG was substitute Kang-In Lee, who ended the match creating the most chances in the game. 

This showed in the 73rd minute when Lee’s cross into the box was slightly deflected off Bayern striker Harry Kane to find substitute and teammate João Neves, who finished beautifully, bouncing the ball into the ground, making it too difficult for keeper Manuel Neuer to save.

Chances did come for PSG with Vitinha testing Neuer with his shots outside the box and Neves coming close to adding a second, but it just wasn’t enough for the Parisians as Bayern spoiled the night for the home fans to take the top spot in the Champions League table.

Ratings

Match Summary

• Player of the Match: Manuel Neuer 9
• Team Ratings: PSG 5 | Bayern 8
• Manager Ratings: Luis Enrique 5 | Vincent Kompany 8

PSG Ratings

Subs:

Bayern Munich Ratings

Subs:

PSG: Chevalier (5), Hakimi (5), Marquinhos (4), Pacho (5), Mendes (6), Zaïre-Emery (6), Vitinha (7), Ruiz (5), Kvaratskhelia (6), Dembélé (5), Barcola (6)

Subs: Lee (7), Mayulu (5), Neves (7), Ramos (5)

Bayern Munich: Neuer (9), Laimer (8), Upamecano (8), Tah (8), Stanišić (8), Kimmich (8), Pavlović (6), Olise (7), Gnabry (7), Diaz (7), Kane (7)

Subs: Bischof (6), Kim (6), Goretzka (N/A)

Player of the Match: Manuel Neuer