PSG Edges Bayern Munich in Thrilling UCL Semi-Final Clash
-
Critics stunned by the PSG vs Bayern Munich UCL 2025-26 semi-final first leg
-
Erling Haaland was one of many appreciating the game on social media
-
Former Netherlands midfielder Clarence Seedorf was one of the few asking for a balance
“Thought you’d seen it all in football? Never a game like this!”
This sentiment was echoed by commentary across Europe following Paris Saint-Germain’s thrilling 5-4 victory over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
Spanish newspaper As referred to the match as “a match for the history books,” while British publication The Sun dubbed it the “Game of the Century.”
Former French international Bixente Lizarazu, who boasts a World Cup victory and Champions League title, commended the intensity, noting PSG’s 3-2 lead at halftime marked the first Champions League semifinal to feature five goals before the break.
“It was like boxing,” Lizarazu remarked. “Each side took punches and was able to respond. The intensity was incredibly high.”
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland also shared his enthusiasm, posting a picture from the match on social media with the caption: “This is football.”
With their 43 goals scored this Champions League season, PSG is now closing in on Barcelona‘s record of 45 set in the 1999-2000 season.
Looking ahead to the return leg in Munich, Lizarazu acknowledged the potential for more surprises, saying, “We’ll see how it plays out, but with so much talent, anything can happen.”
However, not everyone was impressed by the defensive efforts displayed. Former Netherlands midfielder Clarence Seedorf commented during Amazon Prime coverage, “Ask the goalkeepers if they’re happy. There needs to be a balance. I am all in favor of, when you have the ball, to play attacking football … but you also need to have the balanced defending.”