The Parisians have a job to do in Munich

A vibrant atmosphere, with the thrill of great nights and red and blue hearts fluttering ... It is in this Valentine's Day atmosphere that Paris Saint-Germain welcomed Bayern Munich for the first leg of their Champions League tie. This exciting clash was a date marked in the calendar as one not to miss to be missed. It was a match of the highest quality that the Champions League always has to offer. A head to head between two of the biggest clubs in Europe. For the occasion, Christophe Galtier had prepared an interesting starting line-up, led by the Messi-Neymar Jr tandem and with a surprise on the menu, with the titi Warren Zaire-Emery starting, who became the youngest player in history to start a match at this stage in the competition.

Given the star-studded starting line-ups on the pitch at the Parc, it was clear that this was going to be a thrilling encounter. All the ingredients were in place for a great match. But the start of the game soon set the tone for the Red and Blue, who would not have much to get their teeth into. For them, the problem was obvious: before trying to get closer to the opponent's box, they had to stop the Bavarian attacks. The defence, based around the Marquinhos-Ramos duo, had to work hard to repel their attempts. The home side showed great solidity to resist the German pressing, staying patient to try to get through these early stages.

If, after returning for the second half, our Parisians showed that they had the stomach for it by having their first good spell of the game, they had to deal with the tide turning against them. With Achraf Hakimi out injured, which led to a tactical reshuffle, it was the Bavarians who broke the deadlock with a Kingsley Coman strike (0-1, 53'). It was then down to Gigio Donnarumma to keep the ball out for a second goal, with more chances for the visitors.

In what was becoming a tense atmosphere, the Parisians were going to have to offer something different to level the score. The moment to introduce Kylian Mbappé had arrived, offering another dimension to his team in trying to break through the German defence. Our star forwards were increasing the number of quick attacks, like the Mbappé-Neymar Jr. combination, who both had shots saved by Sommer in what was a huge double chance (73').

The Red and Blue went for it in the last 15 minutes, constantly looking to get in behind, pushed on by a crowd who never gave up on its team. The Parc was on its feet when Kylian Mbappé found the back of the net, but his goal was ruled out for a marginal offside (81'), and when Leo Messi and then Vitinha forced Sommer to make a save (85', 86')...

This breathless end to the game had it all, but our Parisians did not manage to level the tie. This was only the first leg... It is in the return match in Munich where the two teams will play out the final act.