PSG reach second straight UCL final after beating Bayern

After their thrilling 5-4 first-leg win, Luis Enrique’s side showed a different side of their game at the Allianz Arena — combining discipline, resilience and defensive solidity to withstand relentless Bayern pressure.

PSG struck early when Ousmane Dembele finished off a devastating counter-attack inside three minutes, giving the French champions a crucial advantage before they settled into a determined defensive display.

Bayern dominated large spells and looked set to be shut out for the first time all season before Harry Kane finally equalised late on. However, the goal came too late to prevent PSG from advancing.

“Tonight showed what type of team we are,” Luis Enrique told Canal Plus. “We showed our maturity, being able to defend as well as attack.”

“We can’t always win with magic or extraordinary play. Today we had to defend a lot but we defended very well,” added Desire Doue.

PSG’s defensive effort was led by outstanding centre-back Willian Pacho, who won all six of his duels, while Warren Zaire-Emery impressed at right-back in the absence of the injured Achraf Hakimi.

The 20-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of PSG’s most consistent performers this season, helping the team overcome fatigue concerns following last year’s extended campaign that stretched to the Club World Cup final.

After years of disappointment in Europe since the Qatari-backed takeover in 2011, PSG are now one win away from retaining the Champions League crown they claimed for the first time last season.