Paris Saint-Germain claimed a 5-4 victory over Bayern Munich in a breathtaking Champions League semi-final first leg, described by European media as 'pure madness' and 'football in its finest essence'. The match set a new competition record for the most goals in a last-four game, with both sides producing an attacking spectacle at the Parc des Princes.
French newspaper L'Équipe hailed the encounter as 'a prodigious battle of astonishing intensity and technical quality', singling out Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé, who each scored twice. Le Parisien called it 'this pinnacle of art and culture, this museum of world wonders', but noted Bayern's late fightback from 5-2 down to 5-4 could prove crucial in the return leg.
German media focused on Bayern's defensive frailties but praised their resilience. Kicker described a 'football festival' where Bayern 'showed impressive character' to pull back goals through Dayot Upamecano and Luis Díaz. Bild called it a 'wild, wide-open football battle', while Süddeutsche Zeitung reported coach Vincent Kompany's belief that 'the belief is 100% there' for the second leg.
Italian outlets were captivated by Kvaratskhelia, with La Gazzetta dello Sport calling his equaliser a 'moment of pure magic' and the match 'real football, pure football'. Corriere dello Sport described the game as 'football at its absolute peak', but questioned whether the frenetic pace was 'acceptable only on PlayStation'.
In Spain, Marca praised 'a breathtaking 5-4 contest that felt more like an exhibition of attacking brilliance'. AS highlighted Bayern's 'winning mentality' ahead of the return leg in Munich next Wednesday, where the holders will aim to overturn the one-goal deficit.
