Bayern Munich secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 2-0 victory over PSG, who failed to overturn their one-goal deficit from the first leg.
Former PSG player Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting haunted his old team with a 61st-minute goal, while Serge Gnabry secured the win with an 89th-minute finish.
The first half was an evenly matched affair with both teams creating chances but failing to capitalize on them. PSG created the more promising opportunities but were unable to find the back of the net.
Alphonso Davies produced a last-ditch block to deny Lionel Messi from Nuno Mendes’ offload, while Jamal Musiala forced a smart Gianluigi Donnarumma save at the other end.
ALSO READ: Hooligan sent to jail for punching Sevilla goalkeeper during Europa League match
PSG lost captain Marquinhos to an apparent hip injury soon after, before Matthijs de Ligt cleared off the line from Vitinha after Yann Sommer’s inexplicable error offered an open goal. De Ligt’s goal-line clearance was crucial for Bayern as it kept PSG from taking the lead and potentially turning the tie in their favor.
Bayern came out stronger in the second half, and it didn’t take long for them to find the back of the net. Choupo-Moting headed past Donnarumma after the interval, only for Thomas Muller’s offside position to ensure the goal did not stand.
ALSO READ: Club Brugge fire Scott Parker following 5-1 Champions League loss to Benfica
But the striker was not to be denied, and he was on the scoresheet just minutes later. Muller dispossessed Marco Verratti inside PSG’s half before Leon Goretzka’s selfless square pass afforded Choupo-Moting a simple 61st-minute tap-in.
PSG tried to fight back, and Sergio Ramos had a bullet header saved by Sommer before Joao Cancelo teed up Gnabry, who made sure of progression with a composed 89th-minute finish. The victory ensured Bayern progressed to the quarter-finals for a fourth consecutive season under the guidance of coach Julian Nagelsmann.
The loss was a blow for PSG, who failed to reach the quarter-finals for the second consecutive season. They had been aiming to overturn a one-goal first-leg deficit but were unable to find the cutting edge they needed. Bayern, on the other hand, will be pleased with their performance and will look forward to the quarter-finals with confidence.
The result sets up an intriguing tie with the winner of the Liverpool vs. Real Madrid match-up.
Leave a Reply