The Parisian, who smashed the winner against his former club in the 2020 final, continued his recent fine form in front of goal when he curled a 53rd-minute volley under the body of Gianluigi Donnarumma. With Bayern dominating the ball and probing the hosts' penalty area in the opening 45, PSG lacked the dynamism to push back the visitors' high line. However, the Bavarians had little to show for clear openings with Donnarumma making nine of their attempts from Joshua Kimmich's low drive. The pattern continued after the restart and it was no surprise when Koeman converted substitute Alphonso Davies' cross to give the away side the lead.
Eric Choupeau-Motting came close to doubling the advantage twice.
The France international responded, forcing a fine save from Yann Sommer before VAR awarded a goal for offside in the build-up. A resurgent PSG pushed and threatened at the death despite the German side seeing Benjamin Pavard sent off for a second yellow card for a foul on the subdued Lionel Messi. On this evidence, Bayern are confident of getting the job done in the return leg in Germany on March 8, but assuming they face a fully fit Mbappe at the Allianz Arena, PSG will represent a tough proposition. Bayern Munich vs Paris Saint-Germain has become a staple of the Champions League in recent years. This year, the rematch of the 2020 final takes place in the round of 16 - a shame if any of these European titans fail to progress, but a treat for neutral football fans. Bayern won the first leg 1-0. They will welcome PSG to Munich on March 8. Here are the individual accolades from today. Talk about a game-changing introduction. Fully fit or not, Mbappe's early introduction to the second half left Julian Nagelsmann scrambling for solutions. First it was Benjamin Pavard, already in yellow, switching sides with Matthijs de Ligt in the back three. And Dayot was Upamekano. The very definition of explosive pace was simply too much for Mbappe to handle standing still. He could have equalized if not for Nuno Mendes' brutal, inches offside decision.
PSG played a scared half in their bunker, beating the luckless Bavarians to the ground for much of the second. Difference? Their superstar, in the role of super-sub.
For a quiet half, Bayern's new goalkeeper did nothing but show his composure. Then the fireworks stated, more or less exploded in his face, literally! Yet the Swiss international held firm. A double save starting in the face, another sharp reflex to steer it out, sharp clutches in between - Sommer turned in one of his trademark Sommer performances, and Bayern have often been at the other end before. Arp-out: Dayot Upamecano, a solid and consistent substitute despite some late struggles with pace on the wing. What a difference a year made in the Frenchman's acclimatization. But really, everyone is into defensive heroism today - even the attackers. Kimmich was the only midfielder in possession today. That Bayern can rely on him for this is a testament to his ability to command the game. Although not the most press-resistant player, Kimmich is still a reliable pivot in front of the backline - and it helped that he was not often challenged in the face of the Paris front two, Messi and Neymar. Kimmich also flashed his versatility with a laser strike late in the first half - keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma's first real test anyway. With Bayern struggling to create danger in front of goal, it is their number six who is often called upon to find something from deep. Retrieving loose balls in midfield, slinging passes around, tracking down for tackles...all in a day's work for Bayern's six. Musiala charm is defined. Hard to believe, but this key player for club and country is still a teenager! The only way to un-tether the ball from his feet is to knock him down. Today, the young maestro was active in both phases of the game. Whether he was central or out wide, he was an incredible pest that helped kill any ambitions PSG had to assert control. Sharper decisions, a bit more luck, might have seen Musiala get on the scoresheet with an assist. Koman vs Achraf Hakimi was a mismatch in the first half. The former Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid wing-back is not inclined to defend and Koeman also has pace to burn. Bayern turned it on in the second half to ensure both PSG flanks were stretched to their limits. Swap also facilitated Koman's cross-delivery. It soon proved the breaking point - a wonderful cross from Alphonso Davies, but an even more spectacular latch-on from Coman for the game's only goal, which Bayern must defend meticulously in three weeks' time.
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