Erling Haaland was among those watching in awe as Paris Saint-Germain edged Bayern Munich 5-4 in a thrilling Champions League semi-final first leg on Tuesday night. The Manchester City striker took to social media to share his thoughts on the extraordinary encounter at the Parc des Princes.
Haaland's Brief Tribute
With the match poised at 5-3 to PSG, Haaland posted a simple but powerful caption: "This is football." His reaction echoed the sentiments of many neutrals who witnessed a game packed with goals, drama, and relentless attacking play.
A Night of Goals
Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia each scored twice for PSG, while Joao Neves added a rare header. Bayern responded through Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Dayot Upamecano, and Luis Diaz, but ultimately fell short in a contest that had everything.
Alan Shearer, on co-commentary for Prime Video, was visibly delighted. "I can't stop smiling at how open and bonkers this game is," he said. "It's one of the greatest games I've ever been to. Two teams that believe in their own ability to outscore their opponent."
Coaches' Contrasting Views
PSG head coach Luis Enrique described it as the best match he had ever managed. "It was amazing. I think it was the best match I have ever managed as a coach," he said. "It had amazing rhythm, trying to play offensive football, trying to show their quality. I think everybody had fun watching the match."
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany, while disappointed with the result, saw hope in his team's performance. "We suffered but we were dangerous. Five goals away from home in the Champions League normally means you're out but the chances we had, made us believe," he said. "I've seen a lot of good defending today but the game is such fine margins, you either go full into the battles, or retreat fully. The in-between doesn't work against that level of players."
Manchester City were eliminated in the last-16 by Real Madrid, leaving Haaland with free midweeks to enjoy such spectacles. The Norwegian striker's brief but heartfelt post captured the essence of a match that will be remembered as a Champions League classic.
