The first leg of the Champions League semi-final delivered one of the most extraordinary nights in the history of football. PSG beat Bayern 5-4 at the Parc des Princes — a match that produced nine goals, a tally a Champions League semi-final had not seen for 60 years.

The first semi-final in the history of the competition in which both sides scored four or more goals. The reigning European champions against the Bundesliga's finest — and not a single dull moment between them.

And yet, nothing has been decided. The ticket to the final will be settled in Munich.

NINE GOALS IN ONE NIGHT

The pace of the match was relentless from the very start. In the 17th minute, Harry Kane converted a penalty to put Bayern ahead — his 59th goal for club and country this season. Seven minutes later, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia equalised — 1-1.

In the 33rd minute, João Neves headed PSG in front to make it 2-1. Eight minutes after that, Michael Olise pulled Bayern level once again — 2-2. And then VAR took over.

In the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time, the ball struck Alphonso Davies on the arm — a controversial moment which VAR reviewed before awarding a penalty. Dembélé converted it — 3-2 PSG. Bayern were still in the match, but had taken a heavy psychological blow heading into the break.

In the second half, PSG erupted.

56th minute — Hakimi delivered, and Kvaratskhelia finished — 4-2.

58th minute — Dembélé curled it in off the inside of the post — 5-2.

Two goals in three minutes. Bayern were trailing 5-2, and the match looked done.

But Bayern did not give up.

65th minute — Kimmich's free-kick, headed home by Upamecano — 5-3.

68th minute — Kane's superb long ball, brought down by Luis Díaz. The Colombian's finish was initially ruled out for offside — but VAR awarded the goal. 5-4.

Two more goals in three minutes. PSG's three-goal cushion had been reduced to one.

The final 22 minutes were a test of nerves for both sides. Senny Mayulu hit the bar for PSG. Tah saw a header for Bayern saved. The nine-goal scoreline did not change. But until the final whistle, another goal could have come from either end.

It was the first time in Champions League semi-final history that both teams had scored four or more goals in a single match. The nine-goal total equalled the all-time European Cup semi-final scoring record — Rangers 3-6 Eintracht Frankfurt in 1959-60. A 60-year-old record, matched in a single night.

KVARATSKHELIA — THE KING OF PARIS

One figure deserves a separate chapter — Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

The Georgian winger produced an outstanding performance — a brace, a constant influence on PSG's tempo, and an obstacle Bayern's defence simply could not solve. It was his seventh goal in seven knockout-phase matches this season — a statistic that underlines just how decisive he has become at the business end of the competition.

His first goal in the 24th minute was a textbook equaliser — Bayern lost the ball, Kvaratskhelia held his run, and finished with a clean strike into the far corner.

His second, in the 56th minute, was even more impressive. Hakimi delivered a low ball from the right, and Kvaratskhelia finished it off the inside of the post. Positional patience, technical sharpness, all in one moment.

The official Man of the Match award went to Dembélé — credited with the controversial penalty and two goals, with 11 goals and 7 assists in the Champions League this season, more knockout-phase goal involvements than any other PSG player. But many football analysts believe Kvaratskhelia had a stronger case.

A DRAMATIC SECOND HALF — AND BAYERN'S LIFELINE

There is one fact that deserves its own emphasis — Bayern were never out of this match.

In the 58th minute, with PSG leading 5-2, the Parc des Princes crowd had begun chanting "Olé." Dembélé's own quote to Canal+ Foot afterwards — *"We stopped playing a bit at 5-2 towards the end"* — confirms that PSG themselves believed the contest was over.

And that was exactly when Bayern responded.

Two goals in three minutes. Upamecano, then Díaz. From 5-2 to 5-4. A one-goal margin.

The final 22 minutes were on fire. Tah headed and was denied. Mayulu hit the bar for PSG. The full-time whistle came with the score still at 5-4 — but the next goal could have been scored by either side at any moment.

Dembélé reflected afterwards: *"It was a match between two great teams who attack, who don't hesitate. We're happy with the result, even though at 5-2 we stopped playing a bit towards the end."*

The 5-4 scoreline is a lifeline for Munich. One goal — and the aggregate is level. Two — and Bayern go through on goal difference.

WITHOUT KOMPANY, WITHOUT NEUER

And behind those nine goals, another important fact was being written — Bayern were operating without their central figure.

Vincent Kompany, the head coach, was watching from the stands. Following yellow cards collected during the previous knockout rounds, he was serving a touchline ban. His assistant ran the team for the first leg.

And then there was Manuel Neuer.

The 39-year-old legendary goalkeeper spent the night at the Parc des Princes — and failed to make a single significant save. PSG scored with all five of their shots on target — the first time on record since 2003-04 that a team achieved that feat in a Champions League knockout match.

The German press is already asking the question: where was Neuer? One of Bayern's central figures, who has been considered the team's last line of defence for years — produced a blank night. And it is one of the main reasons PSG were able to score five.

EXPERT REACTION — A LIVE FINAL

After the match, football analysts focused on one specific question: who is the favourite in Munich?

Lothar Matthäus — a Bayern legend and one of the most influential voices in German football — was direct: *"Bayern got what they came to Paris for. They survived the storm. The advantage in the second leg is firmly with Munich."*

Thierry Henry offered a perspective in PSG's favour: *"Paris showed that, in open spaces, they are one of the best teams in the world."* But he added a warning of his own — *"In Munich, at the Allianz Arena, playing on emotion and pace alone will not be enough."*

Both analysts were saying the same thing in different ways — this match did not end at the Parc des Princes. The Champions League semi-final is alive.

THE BOOKMAKERS' VIEW

In the betting markets, Bayern remain the favourites. After the first leg, their chances of reaching the final are estimated at around 62-65% — odds of 1.55-1.60. PSG's chances are priced at 35-38%, with odds of 2.30-2.40.

Why is Bayern still the favourite despite a 5-4 defeat?

First — home advantage. The Allianz Arena has historically been one of football's most intimidating venues. This season, Bayern have lost only one home match across all competitions.

Second — the scoreline is reachable. Bayern need one goal to level the tie. Two to go through on goal difference.

Third — the Kane factor. The English forward, with 51 goals for Bayern across all competitions this season, returns to his home stadium as the most dangerous striker in European football.

AND FINALLY — HISTORY IS ON BAYERN'S SIDE

And here is the fact that should worry every PSG supporter.

Of the 16 Champions League meetings PSG and Bayern have played against each other, Bayern have won nine. Of the last six across all competitions, Bayern have taken five — their only defeat coming in the Club World Cup quarter-final in July 2025.

And it is not just history. In this season's Champions League league phase, Bayern won 2-1 at the Parc des Princes — on the very pitch where, on Tuesday night, PSG claimed an entertaining but uncertain 5-4 win.

There is also the broader context neither side can ignore. PSG are the reigning European champions, seeking to become only the second club in the modern Champions League era to retain the trophy. Bayern, meanwhile, are chasing their first final since 2020 — the year they defeated PSG 1-0 in Lisbon to lift the trophy for the sixth time.

PSG's hope is fragile. Bayern's experience runs deep. The Parisians have had one explosive night. Bayern know how to deliver explosive nights of their own at the Allianz Arena.

The 5-4 scoreline favours PSG on paper. Who actually reaches the final will be decided next Wednesday, May 7.

The football gods gifted us a record-equalling nine-goal semi-final. Now it is up to all of us to see what they have planned for Munich.