Luis Enrique and his squad travelled to the Bavarian capital looking to make their mark as European champions and, eight days after a first leg at the Parc des Princes that left a lasting impression on the footballing world, the objective was clear: avoid defeat to qualify for the final of the competition for the second year in a row. Standing in their way was a formidable opponent in the form of FC Bayern, with their array of international stars, and a home support buzzing with excitement and determined to turn the tide.
But Paris were not going to be intimidated and got off to the perfect start, with Fabian Ruiz releasing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia down the left wing. The Georgian charged into the box and cut the ball back for Ousmane Dembélé, who drove the ball into the roof of the net to open the scoring (0–1, 3')! Caught off guard, the home side fought back and Michael Olise, well placed in the penalty area, saw his shot blocked at the last moment by Nuno Mendes (15’). Les Rouge et Bleu were a constant menace however and Kvaratskhelia was in turn blocked by Jonathan Tah (15’).
The two sides traded blows, with Luis Diaz cutting into the box from the left and narrowly missing the target (22’), before Olise did likewise from the right (27’). From a free-kick on the right, Vitinha picked out João Neves, who thought he had extended the lead, but Manuel Neuer made a great save to turn the header around the post (33’). Matvey Safonov then produced a fine save from Jamal Musiala’s run through the middle and shot (44’); the German international then missed the target just before half-time (45’), as did Tah with a header (45+3’) in a final flurry of action before the break.
The incredible intensity continued after the break, with Aleksandar Pavlovic failing to hit the target (54'), before seeing his shot saved by Safonov (61'). At the other end, Neuer pulled off two superb saves to deny Désiré Doué (56') and then Kvaratskhelia (57'). goalkeepers were in fine form, as Doué (64’) and then Diaz (69') were both denied. Doué continued to attack, again going close to extending his side’s lead (72', 76').
The final minutes ticked by, seeming to last an eternity, but Paris held firm and even created several good chances through Kvaratskhelia (79’) and Bradley Barcola (88’). Willian Pacho, struck twice in the face, and captain Marquinhos (who, with his 121st appearance in the competition set a new record for a Brazilian ahead of Roberto Carlos) suffering from cramps, never gave up, even though Harry Kane finally managed to equalise in stoppage time (1-1, 90+4’). It set up a grandstand final two minutes, but Paris held firm and secured their place in the final!
It was a resounding qualification for Les Parisiens that will live long in the memory. Les Rouge et Bleu booking a one-way ticket to the final where they will face English side Arsenal FC. See you on Saturday 30 May at 18:00 CET in Budapest!
