Paris Saint-Germain delivered a ruthless attacking display to outgun Bayern Munich 5-4 in a pulsating UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg clash at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday night.
Bayern, who had claimed a 2-1 victory in their previous meeting during the league phase thanks to a brace from Diaz, started brightly once again and looked the sharper side in the early exchanges.
However, their aggressive approach left gaps at the back — a weakness PSG would soon exploit.
The hosts found their rhythm midway through the first half, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia once again proving decisive.
The Georgian winger burst past Josip Stanisic on the left flank before cutting inside and curling a precise effort into the far corner to level proceedings.
Momentum quickly swung PSG’s way, as Joao Neves rose highest to nod home from Ousmane Dembélé’s corner in the 33rd minute, completing a swift turnaround.
Yet the drama was far from over. Bayern responded almost immediately through Michael Olise, who surged forward before unleashing a powerful strike into the net to make it 2-2 — his 20th goal of an impressive campaign.
PSG regained the lead just before the break under controversial circumstances.
READ ALSO: PSG To face Bayern Munich As Arsenal Meet Atlético Madrid In UCL Semi-Finals
A Dembélé cross struck the arm of Alphonso Davies, and following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot. Dembélé stepped up and calmly beat Manuel Neuer to hand the Parisians a 3-2 halftime advantage.
The second half began in similar fashion, with PSG continuing to press. Achraf Hakimi’s delivery found Kvaratskhelia, who clinically finished to extend the lead to 4-2 in the 56th minute — marking his seventh goal in as many knockout matches.
Moments later, Dembélé struck again, catching Neuer off guard with a low effort at the near post to make it 5-2 and leave Bayern reeling.
To their credit, the German side refused to collapse. Dayot Upamecano powered in a header from Joshua Kimmich’s free-kick to reduce the deficit, before Diaz capped the scoring with a composed finish after evading Marquinhos.
Despite the defeat, Bayern — led from the stands by suspended coach Vincent Kompany — showed resilience, and were fortunate not to concede a sixth goal late on when Senny Mayulu struck the crossbar.
The result leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg, with both sides demonstrating their attacking firepower in what could prove to be one of the most memorable encounters of this season’s competition.