FC Bayern eliminates PSG and is in the quarter-finals of the Champions League

Meet Choupo-Moting and Gnabry

FC Bayern Munich passed the Champions League endurance test against Paris Saint-Germain with flying colors. After the 1-0 in the first leg, the German record champions also won the second leg at the Allianz Arena 2-0 (0-0). Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored a header for Munich in the 61st minute, and substitute Serge Gnabry made it all clear in the 90th minute. This is the eleventh time in twelve years that FCB has reached the quarter-finals of the « queen class ».

In front of 75,000 spectators, the Munich defense around the chief of defense Dayot Upamecano and the surprisingly calm Josip Stanisic slowed down the attacks of Messi and Mbappé. A superb tackle from Matthijs de Ligt after a shot from Vitinha prevented Bayern from falling behind after a blunder by goalkeeper Yann Sommer (38th). Thanks to a tactically mature performance on the sidelines, coach Julian Nagelsmann was able to celebrate his biggest win yet as Bayern manager. The quarter-final opponent will be drawn on March 17.

Bayern boss Oliver Kahn described the game shortly before kick-off on ‘DAZN’ as the ‘absolute Champions League game’. Just in the round of 16. The high level of tension given the huge importance was evident in both teams. Mbappé tried in the second minute for the first time against Bayern goalkeeper Sommer, who had made an outstanding save in the first leg.

Some negligence on the part of Munich – both offensively and defensively – made the guests appear slightly superior early on. De Ligt and Sommer also had to combine to save against the ubiquitous Messi (25th), previously Nuno Mendes had been dropped on the left side of PSG, who according to Nagelsmann was also « incredibly fast », with a single assist from ‘opening.

The Bayern coach, dressed that evening in a chic turtleneck, was visibly displeased on the sidelines and shouted instructions on the field. Stanisic and Upamecano have done a good job as Mbappé’s supervisors. The vice-world champion was rarely able to show his enormous speed. Goretzka also convinced as clearer with many important duels. The record-breaking German champions didn’t do much offensively until the break.

Behind Choupo-Moting, captain Müller, Jamal Musiala and first-leg striker Coman are expected to stir up trouble in the PSG defense around veteran Sergio Ramos. Musiala’s fine strike, which PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma parried (32nd), was the best attempt so far. Then Sommer’s missed dribble, which ex-Dortmund player Achraf Hakimi guessed, almost led to a goal. Vitinha fired the stolen ball on goal, de Ligt on horseback.

In the second half, PSG coach Christophe Galtier replaced former Leipzig player Nordi Mukiele – the Frenchman only came on in the 36th minute for ailing captain Marquinhos. Bayern then got off to a much better start after the restart – although Choupo-Moting’s supposed lead was called off in the 52nd minute due to Müller’s offside position. But the second attempt a few minutes later counted. Arms outstretched, « Choupo » celebrated his goal against his ex-club – the quarter-finals were now very close.

Sommer made up for his mistake in the 65th minute with a powerful save against Ramos’ header. Bayern missed several counter-attacking chances before the final whistle, but the fans celebrated anyway. Especially when long-injured Sadio Mané came on and made a comeback. Gnabry then made Munich’s first-class evening perfect.

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