Bayern Munich dealt a crushing blow to reigning UEFA Champions League title holders Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night, securing a narrow 2-1 victory over their arch-rivals at the Parc des Princes.
The French giants had dominated possession after the break but were unable to capitalize on their chances against Bayern's well-marshalled defense. Luis Diaz struck twice in the first half before being sent off for a violent tackle on Achraf Hakimi, leaving PSG reeling without one of their most influential players.
Hakimi's injury was ruled out as 'likely' by French medical staff, adding to the growing concerns over the fitness of several key players for PSG. The loss sees them slip to third place in the 36-team league table, three points adrift and with more doubts raised about their Champions League credentials after just one round.
In contrast, Bayern Munich remain top of the league standings on a maximum 12 points and look increasingly likely to challenge for the title this season. They've now made it 16 wins from 16 games, and although they're down a man following Diaz's red card, Vincent Kompany's side showed no signs of letting their guard down.
"We need to assert ourselves and play better," admitted PSG captain Marquinhos in the aftermath of the defeat. "There are still some positives to take from this match. The team remain ambitious, but we have to do better."
Diaz's dramatic strike sealed a crucial victory for Bayern, who edged ahead just four minutes after falling behind after a misplaced header by Manuel Neuer was expertly controlled by PSG striker Lionel Messi.
Luis Enrique’s side pressed hard in the second half with PSG dominating possession. But Bayern held firm and were rewarded when substitute Joao Neves scored a stunning scissor kick to level the score before Diaz's sending off left his team looking vulnerable.
Despite going down to 10 men, Bayern managed to hold on for a hard-fought win that sends a clear message that their title hopes are very much alive.
The French giants had dominated possession after the break but were unable to capitalize on their chances against Bayern's well-marshalled defense. Luis Diaz struck twice in the first half before being sent off for a violent tackle on Achraf Hakimi, leaving PSG reeling without one of their most influential players.
Hakimi's injury was ruled out as 'likely' by French medical staff, adding to the growing concerns over the fitness of several key players for PSG. The loss sees them slip to third place in the 36-team league table, three points adrift and with more doubts raised about their Champions League credentials after just one round.
In contrast, Bayern Munich remain top of the league standings on a maximum 12 points and look increasingly likely to challenge for the title this season. They've now made it 16 wins from 16 games, and although they're down a man following Diaz's red card, Vincent Kompany's side showed no signs of letting their guard down.
"We need to assert ourselves and play better," admitted PSG captain Marquinhos in the aftermath of the defeat. "There are still some positives to take from this match. The team remain ambitious, but we have to do better."
Diaz's dramatic strike sealed a crucial victory for Bayern, who edged ahead just four minutes after falling behind after a misplaced header by Manuel Neuer was expertly controlled by PSG striker Lionel Messi.
Luis Enrique’s side pressed hard in the second half with PSG dominating possession. But Bayern held firm and were rewarded when substitute Joao Neves scored a stunning scissor kick to level the score before Diaz's sending off left his team looking vulnerable.
Despite going down to 10 men, Bayern managed to hold on for a hard-fought win that sends a clear message that their title hopes are very much alive.
Bayern Munich is on FIRE 
right now! I mean, they were already doing so well but this win over PSG just shows how strong they are 
. Luis Diaz is like the man of the match 
, two goals and a red card lol. But seriously, 2-1 is not enough for PSG, they need to step up their game 
. And what's with all the injuries? Achraf Hakimi and now who knows how many more 
. Vincent Kompany is like the mastermind behind this team genius 
. Can't wait for the next match!
, and that loss against Bayern Munich is a huge blow 
, they can't even dominate possession after the break and still manage to lose 2-1 
, I don't know how they're gonna get back on track from here 
, and with all these injuries piling up it's like their whole season is already written off 
They're losing key players left and right, it's like they can't even get a matchday squad together. Meanwhile, Bayern's just clicking along - their midfield is so solid right now. Vincent Kompany's tactics are spot on, and Diaz is unstoppable when he's not getting sent off 
. The more I think about it, the more I think PSG won't make it to the final. 
. Bayern Munich just took down the champs like that! 
! Did you see it? It's clear that PSG are struggling to cope without Diaz, but they still need to step up their game 
. Bayern Munich, on the other hand, look solid 
16 wins in a row is crazy! 
They're definitely contenders for that title now 
Diaz was on fire tho 2 goals in one half is insane 
16 wins from 16 games is crazy they're on top of the league and looks like a solid shot at that title 
Vincent Kompany's side showed no signs of letting their guard down, so calm and collected they are 
Bayern though, they're rocking this season and I can see them taking on the title now 
Bayern Munich, on the other hand, showed some serious grit and determination after going down a man...