Title holders Paris Saint-Germain squandered a three-goal lead but held on to defeat Bayern Munich 5-4 in a nine-goal thriller at Parc des Princes.

Paris, 28 April 2026

Paris Saint-Germain defeated Bayern Munich 5-4 in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal at Parc des Princes, giving the defending champions a one-goal advantage ahead of the return fixture in Germany.

PSG had built a commanding three-goal lead before Bayern staged a second-half comeback that brought the visitors level. The home side, however, found a fifth goal to clinch a result that was described as record-breaking for the competition.

A nine-goal spectacle

The match produced nine goals in total, drawing immediate comparisons to some of the most memorable nights in European club football. Football players and fans hailed it as one of the best matches seen across any competition this season.

PSG entered the tie as reigning Champions League holders, and the result keeps them in a strong position ahead of the second leg. Bayern, despite conceding five, scored four away goals — a factor that keeps the tie finely balanced.

The wider semifinal picture

Elsewhere in the last four, Arsenal drew 1-1 away at Atletico Madrid in the other semifinal first leg. Arsenal scored from the penalty spot but were controversially denied a second penalty following a VAR review, a decision that drew significant attention after the match.