After scoring goals for fun throughout the season, Bayern Munich found it difficult to find the breakthrough against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
The treble dream for this season ended for Bayern Munich on Wednesday as they were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final stage. Bayern needed a win by two goals to progress in the second leg at Allianz Arena, but they only managed a 1-1 draw against the defending champions.
Vincent Kompany went with his strongest starting XI against PSG on Wednesday. There was only one question about who would play at left-back. Alphonso Davies was preferred in the first leg, but the Belgian coach opted to use Josip Stanisic in that role and to start with Konrad Laimer at right-back.
Bayern and PSG played out an entertaining 4-5 in the first leg, with the French club getting a slender lead. However, the Bavarian club had the worst possible start at Allianz Arena, as they did against Real Madrid in the quarter-final.
The French club hit Bayern on the counter in the third minute. A slick move involving Fabian Ruiz, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Ousmane Dembele ended with the ball in the back of the net through the French forward.
After getting the lead at Allianz Arena, PSG decided to be patient in and out of possession. They maintained a rigid structure at the back, giving no space to Bayern’s forwards. Die Roten tried to up the ante but couldn’t find a breakthrough despite their best efforts. PSG managed to limit the hosts to just one shot on target in the first half.
PSG did brilliantly to keep Michael Olise quiet at Allianz Arena
Bayern marginally improved in the second half as they had five shots on target. The Bavarian club pinned PSG in their half, but the French club comfortably defended the waves of attack.
The visitors did a brilliant job at keeping Michael Olise quiet throughout the game. The French winger managed to create two chances in the game and had only one shot on target. Olise has been the chief creator for Bayern this season. Keeping him quiet ensured PSG were able to stifle Bayern’s attack.
Bayern found the back of the net in the third minute of the added time through a brilliant finish from Harry Kane. However, it was too little too late for Kompany’s men.
Kompany and Bayern are bound to feel aggrieved by some of the decisions from referees on Wednesday. However, the lack of plan B after seeing PSG defend deep certainly was the key reason behind Die Roten’s exit from the Champions League.
Despite the disappointing exit from the Champions League, Bayern deserves a lot of credit for how they have played in Europe this season. If the team continues to evolve and grow under Kompany, there is no doubt that the Champions League trophy will return to Allianz Arena sooner rather than later.
