By Kazeem Ugbodaga
In a dramatic FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final clash on Saturday, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defied the odds to defeat Bayern Munich 2-0, advancing to the semi-finals despite finishing the match with only nine players.
The match, marked by intense moments and controversial refereeing decisions, showcased PSG’s resilience and attacking prowess at a packed stadium in the United States.
The game started cautiously, with both teams probing for openings. PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was pivotal early on, thwarting a low shot from Bayern’s Michael Olise in the 6th minute.
Bayern, despite dominating possession, struggled to convert their chances, with Harry Kane missing a close-range header in the 17th minute and Jamal Musiala being denied by a superb Donnarumma save in the 41st minute.
The turning point came in the 78th minute when PSG‘s Desire Doue broke the deadlock. Latching onto a precise pass, Doue unleashed a perfect strike from the edge of the box, finding the bottom right corner past Manuel Neuer.
However, PSG’s joy was tempered by disciplinary issues. In the 83rd minute, Willian Pacho received a straight red card for a reckless challenge, reducing PSG to ten men. The situation worsened in the 92nd minute when Lucas Hernandez was sent off for a dangerous tackle, leaving PSG with nine players.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, PSG’s resolve held firm. In the 97th minute, Ousmane Dembele sealed the victory with a clinical finish inside the box, stabbing the ball into the left post after a swift counter-attack.
Bayern’s hopes were briefly raised in the 99th minute when they were awarded a penalty, but a VAR review overturned the decision, preserving PSG’s clean sheet.
PSG, under Luis Enrique, demonstrated tactical discipline, absorbing Bayern’s pressure and striking on the counter.
Bayern’s Vincent Kompany, who received a yellow card for dissent, struggled to adapt after losing key players like Musiala to a horrific leg break in the 45th minute.
PSG’s victory propels them into the Club World Cup semi-finals, where they will face the winner between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
