Bayern hold firm with ten men to defeat PSG and stay perfect in Champions League
Bayern Munich continued their incredible winning streak with a 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, a result that saw Luis Díaz go from match-winner to villain after scoring twice and later being sent off.
The visitors made a dream start at the Parc des Princes, striking after just four minutes when a turnover in midfield sparked a quick counter. Michael Olise’s effort was blocked, but Díaz reacted sharply to squeeze a low shot past Marquinhos and into the net. PSG tried to respond, with Bradley Barcola’s misplaced pass leading to a deflected effort from Aleksandar Pavlović, while Ousmane Dembélé had a goal ruled out for offside midway through the first half.
Dembélé’s evening worsened moments later when he was forced off injured, and PSG’s frustration deepened when Barcola broke through but failed to beat Manuel Neuer in a one-on-one. Serge Gnabry went agonisingly close at the other end, striking both posts in quick succession before Díaz pounced again, robbing Marquinhos on the edge of the box and firing in off the upright to double Bayern’s lead.
Vincent Kompany’s side thought they had a third when Josip Stanišić found the net, only for the flag to go up for offside. Joshua Kimmich also went close from distance, but the first half ended on a sour note for Bayern when Díaz was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Achraf Hakimi, who limped off injured just before the break.
Down to ten men, Bayern dug in during the second half as PSG dominated possession. Barcola squandered another good chance from Nuno Mendes’ cross, while Vitinha tested Neuer with a driven strike before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia saw his shot comfortably saved. The hosts finally broke through in the 74th minute when João Neves arrived unmarked to convert Lee Kang-in’s cross and give PSG hope.
The closing stages were frantic, with PSG throwing everything forward. Zaire-Emery forced Neuer into another sharp save, and Neves went close to equalising late on, but Bayern’s defence, marshalled by Jonathan Tah, stood firm to preserve the win.
The result extends Bayern’s perfect start to the season to 16 consecutive victories in all competitions and moves them top of their Champions League group. For PSG, the defeat not only ends their eight-match unbeaten run but also halts what could have been their longest-ever winning streak in the competition.
