Paris Saint-Germain demonstrated that they can defend as well as dazzle, using their shield after an early swoosh of the sword to overcome Bayern Munich and reach the Champions League final. It was a performance worthy of European champions, both last season's and most likely this.
Bayern's Attack Stifled
For only the second time this campaign, Bayern Munich scored just one goal at the Allianz Arena. This was largely because Luis Enrique's brilliant visitors denied them any more, with Harry Kane's belated reply coming in the last minute of injury time, too late to force extra time. To be beaten by this PSG team is not a failure; they are superb. Arsenal, be warned.
Early Blow Decisive
PSG scored in the third minute through Ousmane Dembele, and after the 5-4 spectacle of the first leg, this match seemed from another world. However, PSG absorbed Bayern's spirited response, and the hosts could not find a way through until it was far too late. PSG's midfield of Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, and Joao Neves were too smart, and their defence too strong. Kane did not have a shot on target until his goal; his earlier attempts were blocked before travelling barely a yard.
The contest had worthy winners and served as a reminder of why PSG are Europe's best team. This stadium was the scene of their greatest night last May, their first Champions League trophy courtesy of a 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan. That felt like the start of a new era of domination. This was a different display, but the feeling of superiority remained.
Bayern's Role in a Thrilling Tie
Bayern, over two legs, played their part. Budapest may have the final later this month, but Munich hosted the show-stoppers. This was the match we had waited eight days too many for. The anticipation in Bavaria this week was child-like, reminiscent of the first leg in Paris, which unfolded in a blur of brilliance.
In the final 20 minutes at the Parc des Princes, after the last of nine goals, there was not the same drama. It was approaching half-time; the gladiators were lowering their swords. But here, they came out swinging, and after just 144 seconds, PSG landed the fatal blow. The thunderclaps at tea-time served as nature's countdown, and the downpour slickened the surface, allowing the visitors to cut through Bayern with unforgiving pace and precision. Dembele applied the finish, but the goal belonged to creators Fabian Ruiz and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Their passes were perfect, contrasting with Vincent Kompany's oversized lounge pants, which did not scream latter stages Champions League.
Defiance and Controversy
Both Kompany and Enrique showed defiance pre-match when pressed on conservatism versus pragmatism. After PSG's early goal, Bayern had no choice but to attack. By half-time, they had fashioned chances, but none fell to Kane. Michael Olise's shot brushed the goal frame, and Jamal Musiala's run was impressive but his finish less so. Musiala struggled overall.
Bayern thought they should have had a penalty when Vitinha's clearance struck Joao Neves' arm, but the rules were applied correctly. The home crowd, angry and red-faced, threw beer at Dembele as he took a corner, and a lighter was handed to the referee. Bayern's hopes of recovery were already up in smoke. On the night, PSG were just too good, and we suspect we'll be saying the same in Budapest.
