Bayern Munich 2-3 Paris Saint-Germain: 5 hits and flops as PSG secure statement victory | UEFA Champions League 2020-21

Paris Saint-Germain claimed the spoils in a crazy five-goal thriller in Munich
Paris Saint-Germain claimed the spoils in a crazy five-goal thriller in Munich

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) avenged last year's Champions League final loss to Bayern Munich with a stunning 3-2 win at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

Kylian Mbappe and Marquinhos were on target for the Parisiens, leaving the reigning European champions with an uphill battle in the second leg next week.

Mbappe and Marquinhos each scored a goal in the first half to give the visitors an emphatic 2-0 lead. However, former PSG striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting reduced the deficit just before the break.

Thomas Muller then scored with a smooth header at the hour mark to pull the holders level. However, Mbappe rounded off a stunning counter just minutes later to hand his side another vital away win.

PSG take a commanding lead into next week's home leg. However, given the nature of this tie so far, we can certainly say that it is far from over.

Here are the hits and flops from the match:


Hit: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

We're out of superlatives to describe PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe
We're out of superlatives to describe PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe was on fire once again as he lit up the snowy Allianz Arena with his scorching display.

With two more goals on the road, the young Frenchman proved that no defense is mean enough to stop him, not even that of the reigning treble winners.

Both of his strikes on Wednesday came on the counter. However, the second goal was truly remarkable as the forward slalomed past a stream of red shirts before firing a shot into the back of the net.


Flop: Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich)

Zero tackles, zero dribbles, and zero shots on target from Leroy Sane
Zero tackles, zero dribbles, and zero shots on target from Leroy Sane

Leroy Sane is having a somewhat decent debut campaign with Bayern Munich, though his record in the big games leaves a lot to be desired.

Once again, in a top-billing Champions League encounter, the former Manchester City star dropped a stinker and was unable to affect the proceedings in any way.

The 25-year-old misplaced plenty of passes. Of the meager two shots he mustered at goal, one was off target, and the other was blocked.

From a creative perspective, Sane lacked any sort of imagination while trying to take up positions in PSG's defense and mostly played his passes sideways.

Hit: Neymar (PSG)

Neymar was the heartbeat of PSG against Bayern Munich
Neymar was the heartbeat of PSG against Bayern Munich

While his attacking cohort will naturally take all the plaudits for Wednesday's performance, the brains behind PSG's stunning win was Neymar.

Sent off in the defeat to Lille at the weekend, the Brazilian ace had a point to prove, and he proved it resoundingly as he rolled back the calendar with a vintage performance.

Neymar was PSG's chief creator, assisting both first-half goals, the second of which was a sublime cross for Marquinhos.

Too often criticized for his on-field theatrics and an apparent lack of match seriousness, Neymar stepped up to the plate in a big game once again and silenced all his detractors.


Flop: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)

Manuel Neuer made a mistake in the opening goal and never recovered from it
Manuel Neuer made a mistake in the opening goal and never recovered from it

Few would've expected Manuel Neuer to be the player to let Bayern Munich down on a night when they were already missing Robert Lewandowski.

The veteran sweeper-keeper came a cropper for the opening goal. Mbappe's effort from close range should've been an easy save for him, but he let it slip through his legs.

As for Mbappe's match-winning strike in the 68th minute, Neuer was so stunned that he was rooted in his position as the ball rippled the net once again.

There were a few other Bayern Munich players who weren't at their best against PSG, but Neuer was truly disappointing.


Hit: Keylor Navas (Paris Saint-Germain)

Keylor Navas frustrated Bayern with his heroics in goal
Keylor Navas frustrated Bayern with his heroics in goal

While Neuer had a hard time in the office, Keylor Navas reigned supreme between the sticks for PSG.

Navas was an indomitable presence in goal for PSG and made 10 saves in the match. He was beaten by two headed efforts but was absolutely unbeatable from open play, with the Costa Rican standing firm like a rock in the face of Bayern Munich's onslaught.

Whether it was charging out of his line to punch the ball clear or denying someone from up close, Navas did it all with grace, further establishing his reputation as one of the world's best goalkeepers.

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Edited by Rachel Syiemlieh