Paris, Apr 28 (EFE).-
In a match that is already a strong contender for the best of the year, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated Bayern Munich 5-4 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals. The Parc des Princes witnessed a frenetic duel with nine goals, leaving the tie wide open for the return leg in Germany.
The game was a constant back-and-forth. Although Bayern dominated possession, Luis Enrique’s side was clinical in attack. However, the French team squandered a three-goal lead, allowing the Germans to react in time and narrow the gap.
An electric start
The scoring opened in the 17th minute when Harry Kane converted a penalty following a foul by Ecuador’s William Pacho on Colombia’s Luis Díaz. The Bavarian joy was short-lived, as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia equalized in the 24th minute with a brilliant individual effort that bamboozled the German defense.
The pace didn’t drop before halftime. Young Joao Neves put PSG up 2-1 with a header, but the Frenchman Michael Olise leveled for Bayern again after a defensive error from the home side. Finally, in first-half stoppage time, Ousmane Dembélé scored a penalty for 3-2 after a VAR review confirmed a handball by Alphonso Davies.
From Parisian delight to German comeback
The second half began with a PSG onslaught. In the space of just two minutes (56′ and 58′), Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé both scored again, making it a commanding 5-2 that seemed to seal the victory and ignite the crowd.
Far from giving up, Bayern showed their class. In the 65th minute, Upamecano capitalized on a Kimmich cross to score the third, and just three minutes later, Luis Díaz beat goalkeeper Safonov with a spectacular maneuver to seal the final score at 5-4.
Everything to be decided at the Allianz Arena
The final moments were agonizing for the hosts. PSG almost scored a sixth with a shot hitting the crossbar, while defender William Pacho saved a last-gasp Bayern equalizer off the line.
With this result, PSG will travel to Munich on Wednesday with a minimal advantage. The defensive vulnerability displayed by both teams promises another night of high intensity in Bavaria, where the ticket to the Champions League final will be decided.
lmpg/dmv
 defeated Bayern Munich 5-4 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals. The Parc des Princes witnessed a frenetic duel with nine goals, leaving the tie wide open for the return leg in Germany.){kind=link}