Paris Saint-Germain reached their third UEFA Champions League final after securing a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich on Tuesday, sealing a 6-5 aggregate victory in a dramatic semi final clash.
The result sends the French champions into a second straight Champions League final and keeps alive their hopes of defending the European crown under manager Luis Enrique.
PSG wasted little time asserting control in Munich, taking the lead in the third minute through Ousmane Dembélé. The move began with a precise pass from Fabián Ruiz before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia delivered a composed assist for Dembélé to finish first time into the roof of the net.
Trailing on aggregate, Bayern pushed forward through wide players Luis Díaz and Michael Olise, but both failed to test the goalkeeper with early opportunities.
The hosts were left frustrated midway through the first half when appeals for a penalty were waved away after the ball struck the arm of João Neves inside the area. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany reacted angrily on the touchline as PSG survived the scare.
PSG continued to threaten on set pieces and counter attacks, forcing Manuel Neuer into important saves, while goalkeeper Matvey Safonov produced a strong stop to deny Jamal Musiala before halftime.
Bayern dominated possession after the break but struggled to break through PSG’s disciplined defensive structure. Luis Enrique’s side remained dangerous on the counter, with Neuer again called into action to stop efforts from Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué.
Harry Kane eventually gave Bayern hope late in the match with a powerful left foot strike that beat Safonov and marked his 14th Champions League goal of the season. However, the goal proved insufficient as PSG held on to progress.
The French side will now face Arsenal in the final in Budapest, with Luis Enrique aiming to win the competition for the third time as a coach following previous triumphs with PSG and FC Barcelona.
For Bayern, the defeat continues a disappointing trend in Europe, with the German giants now eliminated in each of their last six two legged Champions League semi finals.
