It was a repeat fixture of last season’s Champions League final when current holders Bayern Munich faced off a vengeful Paris St. Germain at the Allianz Arena. In what can only be described as an extremely entertaining match, the Parisians ended Bayern Munich’s unbeaten run in the competition that has lasted for more than two years and the first defeat for manager Hansi Flick, who has been unbeaten in the premier club competition for 16 matches.
Bayern Munich started off on the wrong foot, when Neymar set up Kylian Mbappe who scored just three minutes after the opening whistle. Bayern’s leaky defense looked vulnerable everytime PSG attacked and the visitors doubled their lead when Marquinhos converted another assist by Neymar.
Despite the defensive errors that has plagued Bayern Munich all season, the hosts were well aware that they would be required to outscore their opponents for a positive result. The absence of Robert Lewandowski left Bayern with an uphill task heading into the match and with 31 attempts and 15 corners, the reigning European champions failed to capitalize on golden opportunities.
However, goals from Choupo-Moting in the 37th minute and Thomas Muller in the 60th minute levelled the scoring but French superstar Kylian Mbappe reclaimed the lead for last year’s runner ups from a counter attack, registering his seventh Champions League knockout stage goal and tied with Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund for the second highest number of goals scored by a player under the age of 23 in the knockout stage, the first being Lionel Messi.
Bayern Munich will have to be more clinical in front of goal if they hope to retain their Champions League trophy when the two sides meet again for the 2nd leg of the Champions League quarter finals on April 14th, 12:30 am IST.
