VAR drama, red cards & late goals as PSG edge Bayern in wild Club World Cup quarter-final | OneFootball

Nine-man Paris Saint-Germain beat Bayern Munich 2-0 in an ill-tempered heavyweight clash at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium to reach the 2025 FIFA World Cup semi-finals.

Both considered viable contenders for the title, the two European big guns headed into proceedings with high expectations.

The Champions League winners trounced Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami 4-0 in the first knockout round, while Vincent Kompany’s charges won 4-2 against Flamengo RJ.

Kompany’s outfit controlled possession in the opening stages but had nothing to show for it as PSG created better chances.

Desire Doue was inches away from breaking the deadlock in the third minute as his shot sailed a whisker wide of the right post.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia squandered the second sitter for Luis Enrique’s side, smashing the ball into the side netting after Achraf Hakimi picked him out at the far post with a teasing low cross.

Despite Bayern’s intense passing sequences, Les Parisiens’ direct approach led to another presentable opportunity midway through the first half.

After an intricate build-up, Fabian Ruiz found himself unmarked on the edge of the penalty area. The Spanish midfielder had all the time in the world, yet his first-time effort flew well over the crossbar.

Paris nearly got punished for Ruiz’s wasteful finishing when Michael Olise cruised past his marker, only for Gianluigi Donnarumma to bail his side out with a stunning diving save.

With action going back and forth, it was PSG’s turn to stake their claim for the opening goal. Desire Doue went down inside the box under the challenge of Jonathan Tah, but Anthony Taylor had none of it.

Moments after the incident, Kvaratskhelia came knocking on Manuel Neuer’s door again. He eased past Dayot Upamecano before forcing the veteran goalkeeper into a last-ditch save from just a few yards out.

As half-time approached, PSG began to gain a firmer grip on possession. However, as the nature of this contest dictated, the scoring chances went in the opposite direction.

Harry Kane had to wait until late in the first half for his first noteworthy contribution. Last season’s Bundesliga top scorer bested Willian Pacho in the air but couldn’t keep his header on target.

Only minutes later, Aleksandar Pavlovic tried to find Jamal Musiala in the box. Though the German failed to get a touch, Donnarumma had to make another reflex save to thwart the young midfielder.

When it looked like there was no time left in the first half for another thrilling moment, Upamecano headed home Olise’s cross. Yet, the linesman’s flag went up for a clear offside.

Unfortunately for Bayern fans, it wasn’t all as far as the first half was concerned.

Just as Taylor was preparing to blow the half-time whistle, Musiala finished on the ground in pain after a nasty collision with Donnarumma, giving the impression of a serious injury.

Kompany’s men were still recovering from the shock at the start of the second half when Neuer had to make another brilliant save to deny Bradley Barcola.

Bayern tried to reply immediately and could’ve found the opener had Kingsley Coman shown more composure in a one-on-one situation with Donnarumma. His feeble attempt was no issue for the towering keeper.

Another huge opportunity went bagging just after the hour mark as Olise fired his close-range shot well over the bar after being played into space by Serge Gnabry.

PSG looked up the creek without a paddle, and it seemed like only a matter of time before the Bavarians would draw first blood.

Enrique’s attempt to change the dynamics with Ousmane Dembele’s introduction nearly paid off instantly.

However, the Frenchman failed to capitalise on Neuer’s risky play, fluffing his lines despite having a goal at his mercy.

What Dembele couldn’t do in front of an empty net, Doue did minutes later, catching Neuer wrong-footed with a precise low effort from just outside the box.

Time became a factor for Bayern after that fateful 78th minute, and Pacho handed the Bundesliga champions a welcome boost as Taylor sent him off for a mindless tackle five minutes later.

Kane thought he had restored parity in the 88th minute but was a fraction offside.

Players started losing their temper as the final whistle approached, with Taylor giving marching others to another PSG star.

Lucas Hernandez had to come off after elbowing an opponent close to the halfway line.

Despite being reduced to nine men, PSG not only endured the siege but managed to strike again through Dembele.

The leading Ballon d’Or contender hit the bar with a thunderous strike.

However, the rebound fell kindly to Hakimi, who danced past several Bayern players before serving his teammate on a platter.

Left with the easier part, Dembele landed the knockout blow on Kompany’s side to send PSG through to the semi-finals.

The drama didn’t end there, as Bayern had a late penalty shout over Nuno Mendes’ reckless challenge on Thomas Muller inside the box.

Taylor initially pointed to the spot but decided against it after reviewing the situation with VAR.