In what will undoubtedly go down as a modern classic, Paris Saint-Germain secured a razor-thin 5-4 victory over FC Bayern Munich in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final. The Parc des Princes was treated to a relentless display of attacking football as two of Europe’s heavyweights combined for nine goals, leaving the tie on a knife-edge heading into the second leg.
The game ignited early when Bayern’s Harry Kane converted a penalty in the 17th minute, silencing the Parisian crowd. However, the lead was short-lived. PSG’s recent superstar signing, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, leveled the score in the 24th minute, sparking a dominant period for the hosts. João Neves put PSG ahead before Michael Olise briefly restored parity for the Bavarians.
One game, four amazing contenders for Goal of the Day 😍
Kvara, Olise, Luis Díaz or Dembélé… which was your favourite? ⚽@Heineken | #UCLGOTD pic.twitter.com/ycEkqqWtqp
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 28, 2026
A clinical Ousmane Dembélé penalty just before the stroke of halftime ensured PSG went into the break with a 3-2 advantage.
Second-Half Explosion
The intensity didn’t drop after the interval. PSG looked to pull away as Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé both completed their braces within two minutes of each other (56′ and 58′), pushing the scoreline to a commanding 5-2.
Refusing to back down, Vincent Kompany’s Bayern side mounted a spirited comeback. Defender Dayot Upamecano headed home in the 65th minute, and Luis Díaz clinical strike just three minutes later brought the visitors within one goal. Despite a frantic final twenty minutes and late yellow cards for PSG’s Fabián Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi, the French champions held firm to protect their lead.
Player of the Match: Ousmane Dembélé
“Dembélé had the biggest overall impact on the result of this stunning match. He scored twice, provided one assist and was directly involved in a further goal.”
UEFA Technical Observer Group
Goal Scorers
PSG: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (24′, 56′), João Neves (33′), Ousmane Dembélé (45′ P, 58′)
Bayern Munich: Harry Kane (17′ P), Michael Olise (41′), Dayot Upamecano (65′), Luis Díaz (68′)
MVP 👏🏆#UCL pic.twitter.com/LElgXqkHe6
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) April 28, 2026
Key stats
The nine goals scored in this match were the most ever in a Champions League semi-final match.
The previous record was seven, which has occurred on four previous occasions,
This was the first Champions League semi-final in which five goals were scored in the first half.
Only four more goals are required in the second leg to match the record for the most across a Champions League knockout tie.
Paris’ win was their 100th in the Champions League proper. They are the first French team to reach this milestone.
Paris have scored 43 goals so far in this campaign; only Barcelona have managed more in a Champions League season (45 in 1999/2000)
Marquinhos made his 120th Champions League proper appearance, equalling the Brazilian record held by Roberto Carlos.
At 23 years 313 days, Nuno Mendes became the youngest Portuguese player to reach 50 Champions League appearances, beating the record previously held by Cristiano Ronaldo (24y 83d).
Kane has 17 goals in his last 16 Champions League appearances.
The English forward’s penalty to open the scoring took his tally for the season to 13 goals, just two shy of competition top scorer Kylian Mbappé.
Luis Díaz has scored in Bayern’s last four Champions League games.
PSG carries a one-goal advantage to the Allianz Arena for the second leg on May 6, 2026. With no away goals rule in effect, Bayern will need a straight victory to keep their final dreams alive, while PSG aims to navigate a hostile Munich atmosphere to reach the showpiece event at the Puskás Aréna.
