PSG holds firm to deny Bayern final place

Alsharq Tribune-M.Essam 

FC Bayern Munich was held to a 1-1 draw by Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday as Harry Kane's stoppage-time equalizer came too late to prevent its exit from the Champions League semifinals.

Trailing after last week's 5-4 first-leg defeat, Bayern needed a strong response at home at the Allianz Arena. Instead, PSG struck before the game had settled. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia broke free on the left after a move involving Fabian, and his cross found Ousmane Dembele unmarked in the middle to finish under the bar in the third minute.

The goal left Vincent Kompany's side needing two goals to force extra time. Bayern gradually saw more of the ball, with Luis Diaz lifting an effort over in the 22nd minute and Michael Olise bending a shot narrowly wide five minutes later.

Referee Joao Pinheiro came under scrutiny in the first half. Kane was pulled back for offside during a Bayern attack in the 23rd minute, before Nuno Mendes handled near the touchline six minutes later. Pinheiro ruled that Konrad Laimer had handled first, although television replays did not clearly show it. Soon after, Joao Neves was struck on the arm in the area, but no penalty was given.

PSG still carried the greater threat. Manuel Neuer denied Joao Neves with a fine save from a header in the 33rd minute, and after the interval he was needed again against Desire Doue and Kvaratskhelia as PSG slowed the tempo and protected its advantage.

Kompany introduced Alphonso Davies and Kim Min-jae in search of greater pace, and Davies soon crossed for Luis Diaz, whose shot was saved by Matvey Safonov. Yet Bayern struggled to build sustained pressure against a compact PSG defense.

Kane finally drove in Davies' pass in the fourth minute of stoppage time, but PSG saw out the remaining seconds to reach a second straight Champions League final. PSG will face Arsenal in Budapest on May 30.

"I cannot stay disappointed for long. We were up against a very strong opponent and the level of both teams was extremely high. It is bitter, but we have to move on. There will be another moment and another opportunity. Congratulations to PSG," Kompany said.