Bayern Munich knocked out of CL on away goals against PSG
Bayern Munich was knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday after PSG won the tie on away goals. The first-half goal from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting gave hope to Die Roten, but they couldn’t break down a stubborn PSG side to score the crucial second goal to go ahead on aggregate.
Hansi Flick brought all his key players back into the lineup after resting them against Union Berlin on Saturday. Unfortunately, Leon Goretzka didn’t recover in time to be fit for this game despite travelling with the squad. David Alaba moved in midfield to replace him, while Jerome Boateng partnered with Lucas Hernandez in the heart of the defense.
Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino had Leandro Paredes and Marco Verratti available for this game. Verratti started on the bench, while Paredes partnered Idris Gueye in the midfield. Marquinhos missed this game due to an injury he sustained at Allianz Arena last weekend. Danilo Pereira moved in central defense to replace the Brazilian defender.
The game started at a much more serene pace compared to the chaotic initial phase in the first leg. Both teams were much cautious as they kept circulating the ball to retain possession. PSG did get the biggest chance to open the scoring in the ninth minute, but Manuel Neuer made a terrific save to deny Neymar.
Die Roten slowly started to push forward higher up the pitch, but that made them vulnerable on the break. They eventually created a big chance in the 27th minute after some nice link-up play between Choupo-Moting and Sane. The German winger couldn’t add more power to his shot, so Navas collected it with ease.
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After the first opportunity for the visitors, PSG responded strongly. Neuer once again made himself big during a one vs one situation against Neymar. The Brazilian forward also twice hit the framework before the home side suffered a blow at the other end of the pitch.
Choupo-Moting’s perseverance helped Bayern in getting the lead on the night. Alaba chips a hopeful ball in the box from the left flank, which was parried away by Navas in the danger zone. The 32-year-old striker managed to beat Presnel Kimpembe in the air and head the ball in the goal. Rekordmeister went into the break with momentum as Sane had a glorious opportunity to double the lead, but he once again failed to put more power in his shot.
PSG started the second half on fire by creating one big chance with the help of trickery from Angel Di Maria on the right flank. The Argentine squared the ball after beating Neuer, but Neymar couldn’t slide in time to bundle the ball into the net.
After this attempt, Rekordmeister took control of the game and tried to shift PSG’s defense by playing some crisp passes. However, there was no final ball from an attacking player to trouble Navas in the goal. PSG maintained a rigid shape to frustrate the visitors.
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Sane showed some great footwork to create Die Roten’s best chance in the second half. He managed to beat Mitchel Bakker and unleashed a shot across the face of the goal. Unfortunately, there was no Bayern player to put the ball into the net.
The German club had pinned the hosts in their half and created some decent half chances. However, the conversion of these chances was poor and ultimately cost them in this game. It was a riveting tie, but Rekordmeister’s title defense came to an end in Paris.
"Paris Saint-Germain (4-2-3-1)NavasDagba-Danilo-Kimpembe-DialloGueye-ParedesDi Maria-Neymar-DraxlerMbappeSubstitutes: Rico, Saidani, Kehrer, Verratti, Rafinha, Kean (↓Draxler (73′)), Sarabia, Herrera (↓Di Maria (88′)), Florenzi, Bakker (↓Diallo (58′)), Pembele, NaggerBayern Munich (4-2-3-1)NeuerPavard-Boateng-Hernandez-DaviesKimmich-AlabaSane-Muller-ComanChoupo-MotingSubstitutes: Nubel, Martinez (↓Choupo-Moting (85′)), Sarr, Nianzou, Musiala (↓Davies (71′)), Stanisic, Zaiser"