Paris Saint-Germain secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich on Saturday night to book their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup, ending a four-match losing streak against the German champions in the process.
In a tense and tactically charged encounter played in Atlanta, both sides struggled to assert dominance early on, with the first real chance falling to PSG’s Fabián Ruiz in the 20th minute, who fired over from the edge of the area after a clever cut-back from Désiré Doué.
Bayern responded through Michael Olise, whose powerful strike was well saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
PSG came closest to opening the scoring late in the first half when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia danced past the Bayern backline but was denied by the outstretched legs of Manuel Neuer.
Bayern thought they had taken the lead moments before half-time through Dayot Upamecano’s header, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
The second half brought more drama. A serious injury to Bayern’s Jamal Musiala just before the break appeared to affect their rhythm, and PSG nearly capitalised early in the second period, with Barcola and Dembélé both spurning golden chances.
The breakthrough finally came in the 79th minute when Doué finished off a slick move with a low drive past Neuer at the near post.
Tensions rose as PSG were reduced to 10 men five minutes later following Willian Pacho’s reckless challenge on Leon Goretzka.
Bayern looked to have drawn level through Harry Kane’s header, but for the second time in the match, the offside flag came to PSG’s rescue.
A second red card for Lucas Hernández left the Parisians with nine men, but Dembélé put the game to bed in stoppage time with a well-taken second goal.
Bayern’s hopes were dashed completely when a late penalty call was overturned after a VAR review.
With the victory, PSG advance to the Club World Cup semi-finals, maintaining their dream of adding international silverware to their domestic dominance this season.
Man of the Match: João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain)
