A first-half header from Kim Min-jae gave Bayern Munich a vital 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, denting the French side’s Champions League hopes.
The match, a rematch of the 2020 Champions League final, was decided by a 38th-minute header from Bayern’s South Korean defender. Kim capitalised on an error by PSG goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, who spilt a Joshua Kimmich corner into Kim’s path. This was enough to secure all three points for Bayern, effectively leaving PSG’s top-eight chances hanging by a thread.
PSG’s hopes were further hampered by a red card to Ousmane Dembélé in the 60th minute, leaving them to play with 10 men for the final third of the match. With just three games remaining, PSG’s prospects of progressing to the knockout rounds look increasingly uncertain. They currently sit 26th in the standings, two places outside the playoff spots.
Bayern, meanwhile, extended their impressive run of seven consecutive clean sheets in all competitions. Manager Vincent Kompany praised his team’s defensive strength, emphasising their discipline in shutting out PSG after Dembele’s dismissal. The win also boosted Bayern’s chances of securing a top-eight finish in the group, with their remaining fixtures offering promising opportunities.
Both teams had come into the match in strong domestic form but needed a win to stay in contention in Europe. PSG coach Luis Enrique’s decision to start Safonov over Gianluigi Donnarumma was a talking point, but the goalkeeper’s error ultimately proved costly. On the other side, Kompany’s choice to field Leroy Sane for his pace over Michael Olise paid dividends as Bayern controlled the tempo.
Bayern will now focus on their upcoming Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund, while PSG faces tough fixtures, including a home match against Manchester City and tricky away trips to Red Bull Salzburg and Stuttgart.
