Bayern Munich: Top performers from crucial win against PSG
By Isaac Rivers
In the opening leg of the Champions League Round of 16, Bayern Munich enjoyed a very productive trip to Paris as they clinched 1-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain. Kingsley Coman managed to hurt his former team once again by scoring the winner on Tuesday. For most parts of the game, Die Roten was the superior side against PSG, so it was a well-deserved win. Let us look at three players that delivered big performances in Paris to help Bayern get an advantage in this tie.
Yann Sommer
To record a clean sheet in your Champions League debut for Bayern Munich is impressive enough. However, Yann Sommer kept a clean sheet against the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe. Sommer faced a total of four shots throughout the game, two of which drew some spectacular saves.
The best save of the game showed great anticipation and bravery from Sommer. After breaking through the Bayern defense, Mbappe tried to fire a shot across the face of the goal, but Sommer came charging out to collect as he blocked the powerful shot with his face. Sommer couldn’t have asked for a better Champions League debut with Bayern.
Kingsley Coman
The man who made the difference, Kingsley Coman was Bayern’s best player in the final third. In the first half, Coman was the only player to create any solid chances. Running forward from his wingback position, he provided width on the left flank and delivered dangerous crosses in the box.
In the second half, Coman switched to the right flank after Joao Cancelo was replaced by Alphonso Davies. The French forward started playing higher up the pitch, which ultimately led to the brilliant goal that won Bayern the game. In the 53rd minute, Coman scored with a perfectly timed volley from a deep cross. Catching the PSG keeper out of position, Coman slotted the ball right down the center of the goal. A stellar performance that directly led to Die Roten’s victory.
Benjamin Pavard
Having your keeper only face four shots against a team that has superstar forwards is unheard of. The reason Bayern’s defense found so much success in this game is because of Benjamin Pavard. It seemed as though Pavard had just as many blocks as Sommer.
The first half saw Pavard responsible for containing Messi down the middle of the pitch, who he held to zero shots on target in the first 45 minutes. In the second half, Pavard recorded three blocks which all looked like certain goals. Along with recording one of the most impressive defensive performances in the current Champions League campaign, the 64th minute saw Pavard with an excellent header that drew a diving save from PSG’s goalkeeper.
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Unfortunately, Pavard’s game ended with a red card in the 92nd minute. The red card will not damage Pavard’s overall performance against PSG, but his absence will be massive blow for Rekordmeister in the second leg.
Bayern Munich will have to wait a month’s time before being able to solidify their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals. Their second-leg match-up against PSG will be held at the Allianz Arena on March 8.