Munich : Reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain will defend their crown in the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal in Budapest after overcoming FC Bayern 6-5 on aggregate following a monumental performance and a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena in Munich in the second leg of their semi-final tie. Ousmane Dembélé opened the scoring in the third minute before Harry Kane equalised in the 94th minute for the hosts.
Luis Enrique and his squad travelled to the Bavarian capital looking to make their mark as European champions and, eight days after a first leg at the Parc des Princes that left a lasting impression on the footballing world, the objective was clear: avoid defeat to qualify for the final of the competition for the second year in a row. Standing in their way was a formidable opponent in the form of FC Bayern, with their array of international stars, and a home support buzzing with excitement and determined to turn the tide.
But Paris were not going to be intimidated and got off to the perfect start, with Fabian Ruiz releasing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia down the left wing. The Georgian charged into the box and cut the ball back for Ousmane Dembélé, who drove the ball into the roof of the net to open the scoring (0–1, 3′)! Caught off guard, the home side fought back and Michael Olise, well placed in the penalty area, saw his shot blocked at the last moment by Nuno Mendes (15’). Les Rouge et Bleu were a constant menace however and Kvaratskhelia was in turn blocked by Jonathan Tah (15’).
The two sides traded blows, with Luis Diaz cutting into the box from the left and narrowly missing the target (22’), before Olise did likewise from the right (27’). From a free-kick on the right, Vitinha picked out João Neves, who thought he had extended the lead, but Manuel Neuer made a great save to turn the header around the post (33’). Matvey Safonov then produced a fine save from Jamal Musiala’s run through the middle and shot (44’); the German international then missed the target just before half-time (45’), as did Tah with a header (45+3’) in a final flurry of action before the break.
The incredible intensity continued after the break, with Aleksandar Pavlovic failing to hit the target (54′), before seeing his shot saved by Safonov (61′). At the other end, Neuer pulled off two superb saves to deny Désiré Doué (56′) and then Kvaratskhelia (57′). goalkeepers were in fine form, as Doué (64’) and then Diaz (69′) were both denied. Doué continued to attack, again going close to extending his side’s lead (72′, 76′).
The final minutes ticked by, seeming to last an eternity, but Paris held firm and even created several good chances through Kvaratskhelia (79’) and Bradley Barcola (88’). Willian Pacho, struck twice in the face, and captain Marquinhos (who, with his 121st appearance in the competition set a new record for a Brazilian ahead of Roberto Carlos) suffering from cramps, never gave up, even though Harry Kane finally managed to equalise in stoppage time (1-1, 90+4’). It set up a grandstand final two minutes, but Paris held firm and secured their place in the final.
PSG coach Luis Enrique spoke post match saying, “It’s incredible. I think what we showed tonight, and throughout the season, especially in the Champions League, is of an incredible standard. We played against one of the very best sides in the world, away from home, and we did it with all the maturity and personality necessary. It shows what type of team we are. Tonight, with nearly 4,000 travelling supporters, we suffered together, because there are always moments when you do it tough. But we are happy. We showed that we love to have the possession, but that when we have to defend, we know how to do that too.
“Now is the time to enjoy this moment with all Parisians and look towards another final of the Champions League. It’s 3 years since I arrived in Paris and we have always felt this connection between the supporters and the team. It’s hugely important because when you are able to share this with the fans and enjoy playing for Paris Saint-Germain so much, it’s just incredible. We have to keep working because there is one more match to go to win the Champions League. We also have to win our next Ligue 1 game against Brest to win the championship. It’s important to keep going!”
PSG legend Marquinhos, who’s at the club for 13 years expressed his emotions saying, “It’s incredible! Another final! In 13 years at the club, that was the fifth semi-final and now a third final. You have seen how far we have come, a long, difficult journey. This tie against Bayern was two crazy matches! But we made it to the final and we deserve it. We have worked very hard for this, since the first day of the season. We wanted to experience this moment again. We wanted to reach this part of the season and still have goals like this to achieve. Now, we need to enjoy this moment, but we still have more to do.
“We have to continue with the right mentality and approach the final the same way we did last year. Every player gives their maximum on the pitch, does what they have to do. This mentality comes from the coach, from Luis Campos and the President who have brought this team to this point. Again, this is our biggest strength. To reach the final of the Champions League and travel this journey, we need everyone and I think, at the risk of repeating myself, we have shown that is the key to our team and our strength.”
