PSG knock Bayern from away goals to reach semis
14 April, 2021
Paris St Germain reached the Champions League semi-finals despite a 1-0 residence defeat by Bayern Munich on Tuesday seeing that the title holders bowed out on away goals after a good 3-3 aggregate result.
Eric Choupo-Moting scored the sole aim of a mesmeric encounter before the interval but it had not been enough to overturn the German side's 3-2 loss in previous week's first leg.
PSG, who had struggled sometimes found in Munich, had the clearest chances but lacked proficiency, with Neymar striking the woodwork twice and Kylian Mbappe's speed again proving tough to handle.
Mauricio Pochettino's PSG aspect, however, kept their composure in a nerve-wrecking finale to reserve their spot within the last four against Manchester City or Borussia Dortmund because they look to reach the ultimate for the second year in a row.
Their house form has been cause for concern this season, but this time around PSG didn't freeze because they proved extremely unsafe on the break throughout the match.
In the lack of injured captain Marquinhos, Danilo started alongside Presnel Kimpembe in central defence for the French champions while Bayern were without Leon Goretzka in the midfield.
Bayern applied the pressure early on but PSG threatened about the counter with Mbappe and Neymar getting the early chances in an error-strewn start.
The visitors had their first attempt in the 25th minute when Leroy Sane's curled short from outside the box went just wide.
PSG came close on an instant break seeing as Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer denied Neymar found in a one-on-one following the Brazilian had been found unmarked by Mbappe.
Neymar was in it again three times in a small number of minutes with a powerful shot that Neuer deflected onto his post, a superb curled work that crashed against the bar and another attempt that reach the post after he was first played through by Mbappe.
However, Bayern in that case went in front just as Choupo-Moting headed home immediately after PSG keeper Keylor Navas deflected David Alaba's shot in to the route of the former PSG person, presenting the German champions the lead over the night five minutes prior to the break.
PSG were close again early in the next 50 % when Angel Di Maria handled Mbappe's cross splendidly and passed the ball former a flying Neuer over the face of objective, limited to Neymar's stretching work to slide it home being truly a few inches too short.
Mbappe thought he previously equalised in the 78th minute after appearing played through by Neymar from merely inside Bayern's half, but a VAR analysis confirmed Italian referee Daniele Orsato's decision to guideline it out.
Hansi Flick's team created danger in the box repeatedly in the closing stages but the house side's defence held company as they avenged last year's 1-0 final defeat by Bayern.
Source: www.thedailystar.net
TAG(s):