Kylian Mbappe stole the show as Paris Saint-Germain secured an important 3-2 win over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League.
Bayern Munich resumed their UEFA Champions League campaign on a disappointing manner, losing 3-2 to Paris Saint-Germain at the Allianz Arena. It was a devastating result for the Bavarians, who now have to win as well as score multiple goals in Paris in the returning fixture.
The French champions had the best possible start to the game, finding the opener within three minutes through Kylian Mbappe. It put a lot of unnecessary pressure on Bayern Munich, who seemed desperate to get on the other end at the expense of defensive stability, ultimately allowing the PSG attackers to capitalise on the counter time and time again.
In fact, it was only a matter of time when Marquinhos doubled PSG’s lead in the 28th minute. Bayern were quick to respond, though, pulling one back in the 37th minute through Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and ending the electric first half on a positive note.
Bayern Munich were unpredictably the more dominant side in the second half and were rewarded as well when Thomas Muller levelled the scoreline with a 60th minute header. The goal further increased the hopes of a comeback from the home side, but those hopes were tarnished when PSG made use of another counter-attack to seal the third through Mbappe in the 68th minute.
Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over these two sides in this hard-fought battle at the Allianz Arena this midweek.
Bayern Munich
Manuel Neuer: 6.5/10
Manuel Neuer could have done a little better in saving both of Mbappe’s goals. Did make a few great saves otherwise, keeping Bayern Munich in the contest.
KYLIAN MBAPPE INSIDE 3 MINUTES ?
That error from Manuel Neuer though ? pic.twitter.com/oxonpViGmd
— Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) April 7, 2021
Benjamin Pavard: 6.5/10
Benjamin Pavard had problems defending the threat of Mbappe on the break but did produce the cross that led to Choupo-Moting’s goal just before half-time.
Niklas Sule: 5/10
Starting ahead of Jerome Boateng, Niklas Sule had a disastrous first half. He was no match for Mbappe’s speed and struggled to offer the defensive resistance, before picking up a knock that prompted his substitution just before half-time.
David Alaba: 7/10
Initially starting as a defender, David Alaba had to shift into a midfield role in the second half. He was a vital cog in Bayern’s approach play, offering some much-needed ball progression.
Lucas Hernandez: 6.5/10
Lucas Hernandez struggled to cope with the PSG pressure for the most part of the game. Looked more comfortable in a central role, although he was still no match for the pacy attackers.
Leon Goretzka: 5/10
Leon Goretzka had a glorious chance to score around the midway point of the first half but his effort was saved by Keylor Navas. The midfielder was taken off around the 33rd minute mark, most likely due to injury.
Joshua Kimmich: 7.5/10
Joshua Kimmich bossed the midfield with his tackling, passing and aggression. Looked sloppy at times, but so often the brains behind any Bayern Munich attack. A real asset in the middle of the park.
10 – Joshua Kimmich created 10 chances against PSG, the most by a player in a single UEFA Champions League match at the quarter-final stage or later since Mesut Özil for Real Madrid v Tottenham in April 2011 (12). Supply. pic.twitter.com/FfDlGg6O4k
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 7, 2021
Leroy Sane: 5/10
Leroy Sane was arguably the worst performer for Bayern in this match. The former Manchester City winger looked clueless out wide, failing to offer any penetration. Also lost possession on numerous occasions.
Thomas Muller: 7.5/10
Thomas Muller’s ingenuity was vital to his side’s attacking game, with the forward also netting the important second goal. A real inspiration in attack, although he could have been a bit more productive in front of goal.
Kingsley Coman: 7/10
Kingsley Coman was very lively down the left flank for the home side. He was always on the lookout for those telling crosses, only lacking the end product.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: 6.5/10
Choupo-Moting put in a decent shift in the number nine role, notably scoring the first goal. Bayern Munich, though, greatly missed the presence of Robert Lewandowski.
SUBSTITUES
Alphonso Davies: 7/10
Alphonso Davies instantly made Bayern Munich much more proactive in the build-up with his pace and offensive prowess. Should have started the game.
Jerome Boateng: 6/10
Jerome Boateng replaced the injured Sule before half-time but had his struggles coping with Mbappe and Neymar. Should have done much better in closing down the former for the third goal.
Paris Saint-Germain
Keylor Navas: 7/10
Keylor Navas made a few wonderful saves to deny Bayern Munich the third goal that could have turned the tie in their favour. Another valiant performance in between the sticks from the ex-Real Madrid ‘keeper.
Colin Dagba: 7/10
Colin Dagba started the game awfully, as Coman was completely all over him. The right-back improved astronomically after the restart, becoming a solid defensive outlet on the flanks.
Marquinhos: 8/10
Marquinhos had an inspirational first half, marshalling the PSG backline with aplomb while scoring the second goal around the half-hour mark. Unfortunately, his night was cut short after picking up an injury shortly after. A massive blow for PSG.
No player has made more blocks in a single Champions League game this season than Marquinhos vs. Bayern:
◎ 100% duels won
◎ 7 clearances
◉ 4 blocks
◎ 1 goalA reminder he only played 28 minutes. #UCL pic.twitter.com/BDjVFKsD7V
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 7, 2021
Presnel Kimpembe: 8/10
After the injury of Marquinhos, the onus was on Presnel Kimpembe to lead the PSG backline. And the Frenchman did not disappoint at all, standing tall in the second half and surviving an onslaught.
Abdou Diallo: 6.5/10
Abdou Diallo fared quite well in defence, standing strong and tall against Leroy Sane on the flanks. He was subbed off at half-time, though.
Danilo Pereira: 7.5/10
Danilo Pereira moved into the central defensive role after the injury that Marquinhos sustained. It was a turning point of the game as the Portuguese international looked quite solid alongside Kimpembe, especially during the final phase of the game.
Idrissa Gueye: 6/10
Idrissa Gueye lacked composure at times, and understandably so against the reigning European champions. The former Everton man did offer good work-rate, though, keeping the opposition busy.
Angel Di Maria: 7/10
Angel Di Maria may not have been involved in the game much, but it was his creative prowess that opened up numerous opportunities for PSG. The Argentine notably assisted Mbappe’s second goal of the night.
Neymar: 7.5/10
Neymar was an inspirational figure in the number ten role, providing a spark of creativity in the PSG attack. Registered the assist for the first two goals, scored by Mbappe and Marquinhos.
Julian Draxler: 6.5/10
Julian Draxler made good use of the opportunity and made a solid impact on the proceedings. His influence did wane, but it was a good display from the former Schalke star.
Kylian Mbappe: 9/10
Kylian Mbappe was by far the best player on the pitch, establishing himself as a scourge for the Bayern Munich defence with his pace and productivity. Quite an asset for PSG, and French football in general.
?? Kylian Mbappé becomes the 1st player to score a total of FIVE away goals in the round of 16 & quarter-finals in the same season ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️#UCL pic.twitter.com/4AK2f475qd
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 7, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Ander Herrera: 6/10
Ander Herrera took his time settling in after replacing the injured Marquinhos. He looked better as the game progressed, though not enough to earn him a solid rating.
Mitchell Bakker: 6.5/10
Mitchell Bakker looked quite solid after coming on for Diallo at left-back.
Moise Kean: 6/10
A late replacement for the tiring Di Maria. Offered freshness and physicality going forward.
Rafinha: N/A
A late replacement for Neymar. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
