Messi unable to rescue PSG as Bayern take first leg advantage

UCL Messi unable to rescue PSG as Bayern take first leg advantage

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 23:00 - 14.02.2023

Kingsley Coman scored the only goal of the game as Bayern Munich secured a deserved 1-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie at the Parc des Princes.

Bayern Munich produced a dominant performance against PSG away from home to win 1-0 thanks to a strike by former PSG man, Kingsley Coman.

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How it happened

Bayern dominated most of the first half, pushing the PSG defence deeper and applying pressure through the middle and down the flanks. However, there was very little to show for it by way of clear-cut goalscoring opportunities for the Germans.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, leading the line for Bayern, got himself in at the back post on the half-hour mark but Nuno Mendes did brilliantly to deflect the ball wide.

Bayern continued to dominate proceedings after the restart, moving the ball around with ease, with the PSG midfielders unable to lay a glove on their opponents. 

That pressure eventually told and it was Kingsley Coman who got the breakthrough for the visitors. Alphonso Davies who came on for Joao Cancelo to start the second half, delivered an accurate cross and Coman was on hand to finish past PSG keeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Bayern Munich players celebrate with Kingsley Coman

Christophe Galtier introduced Kylian Mbappe as he looked to give his side some impetus in attack and the substitution almost paid off as Mbappe had the ball in the net, only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside.  

There was a flurry of activity to end the game as PSG poured forward looking for an equaliser. Messi saw a dangerous shot blocked and then fired straight at the Bayern keeper Sommer when he should have done better. 

Benjamin Pavard was sent off after a mistimed tackle on Messi but Bayern held on and will take a crucial advantage into the second leg at the Allianz Arena.

Player of the match - Kingsley Coman

Coman was full of running and looked lively throughout. He offered his teammates an out-ball on several occasions and took his goal well.

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