PSG hold off Bayern in semi-final classic

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Paris Saint-Germain take a narrow lead to Munich after a nine-goal classic against Bayern in one of the highest-scoring Champions League semi-finals ever.

The visitors struck first through Harry Kane, who converted a penalty after an early foul inside the box. Bayern controlled the opening phase, but PSG responded through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who cut inside from the left before finishing into the far corner.

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Momentum shifted again when Joao Neves headed PSG in front from a corner, only for Michael Olise to level with a powerful strike to make it 2-2.

PSG regained the lead just before the break after a VAR review awarded a penalty for handball, with Ousmane Dembele converting to give the hosts a 3-2 advantage at half-time.

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The French champions extended that lead early in the second half. Kvaratskhelia finished again after a quick transition, before Dembele added a fifth with a low effort that caught the goalkeeper off guard.

At 5-2, PSG appeared in control, but Bayern responded. Dayot Upamecano reduced the deficit with a header from a set-piece, and Luis Diaz added another after breaking through the defence to make it 5-4.

Both sides continued to create chances late on, with PSG hitting the crossbar in stoppage time, but the score remained unchanged.

The result gives PSG a one-goal advantage ahead of the second leg in Munich, where Bayern will look to overturn the deficit and reach the final.

– AFP

Photo: REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

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Dylan Johnson