Bayern Munich secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, thanks to a decisive header by South Korean defender Kim Min-jae. The win significantly boosts Bayern’s chances of automatic qualification for the last 16, while PSG’s hopes remain uncertain after suffering their third loss in the competition.
Entering the match with one win and two defeats, Bayern aimed to improve their standing. The victory lifts them to 11th place with nine points from five games, just one point shy of the top eight positions that guarantee automatic qualification for the knockout stages.
PSG, under the guidance of Luis Enrique, find themselves in 26th place with four points, currently outside the playoff spots with three matches remaining in the first phase. Their only win so far came against Girona in their opener, leaving them desperate for points in this fixture.
Bayern started strongly, with early opportunities from Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane. PSG responded with chances of their own, but neither Ousmane Dembele—who would later be sent off—nor Joao Neves could beat Bayern’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
The decisive moment came in the 38th minute when Kim Min-jae capitalized on a mishandled corner by PSG keeper Matvei Safonov, heading home from close range to put Bayern ahead. Just before halftime, Bayern nearly doubled their lead when Kingsley Coman’s solo effort soared over the bar.
PSG’s situation worsened in the 57th minute when Dembele was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card for a lunging tackle, reducing the French side to ten men. Bayern took advantage of their numerical superiority, with Coman narrowly missing the target in the 66th minute after a swift passing move.
Safonov redeemed himself by tipping a Musiala shot onto the post, keeping PSG’s hopes alive. However, despite late pressure from the visitors, Bayern maintained their lead to claim a seventh consecutive victory and their seventh straight clean sheet across all competitions.
Bayern Munich, leading the Bundesliga, will visit Borussia Dortmund on Saturday before facing Bayer Leverkusen in the German Cup last-16 clash next week. Their recent form sets a positive tone for these upcoming challenges.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
