Paris Saint-Germain secured a dramatic 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich, booking their place in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals in a clash packed with emotion, intensity, and no shortage of drama.
The game began on a somber note with a moment of silence for Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, whose sudden passing cast a shadow over proceedings.
Bayern came out strong, targeting PSG’s left side with Michael Olise and Konrad Laimer pressing Nuno Mendes. PSG responded through Achraf Hakimi’s dynamic runs, and nearly took the lead in the 19th minute when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia struck the side netting. At the other end, Olise was denied by a brilliant Donnarumma save.
Vincent Kompany was forced into an early change as Josip Stanisic came off injured, replaced by Sacha Boey. Harry Kane had a golden opportunity but sent his header wide from close range.
A late first-half set piece saw Bayern’s Dayot Upamecano bundle the ball into the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. The half ended on a worrying note as Jamal Musiala was stretchered off after a collision with Donnarumma, who looked visibly shaken.
After the break, the intensity remained high. PSG’s young star Désiré Doué opened the scoring in the 79th minute, capitalizing on a Kane error to beat Manuel Neuer at his near post.
Chaos unfolded late in the game as PSG were reduced to nine men. Willian Pacho was dismissed for a reckless tackle on Leon Goretzka, and Lucas Hernandez followed with an elbow to the face.
But the Parisians struck again through Ousmane Dembélé, capping off a slick counterattack. Bayern’s late penalty appeal was denied by VAR, sealing PSG’s place in the semis. They now await the winner between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
