Bayern Munich extended their flawless start to the season with a gritty 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, despite being reduced to ten men, to underline their early status as Champions League favourites.
The German champions made it 16 wins from 16 in all competitions after Luis Diaz scored twice before being sent off for a violent tackle on Achraf Hakimi just before half-time.
PSG, who pulled one back through Joao Neves, dominated possession in the second half but could not find an equaliser, slipping to their first Champions League defeat since last season’s quarter-final second leg against Aston Villa.
The result leaves Bayern top of the 36-team league with a maximum 12 points, while PSG sit third, three points behind and facing fresh injury worries after both Hakimi and Ousmane Dembele were forced off early.
Dembele, making his first Champions League start of the season, lasted only 25 minutes before being replaced by Lee Kang-in due to injury.
PSG started aggressively with their trademark high press but were punished early when Diaz reacted quickest after Lucas Chevalier parried Michael Olise’s effort, firing Bayern into the lead inside four minutes.
Bayern doubled their advantage on 32 minutes after Serge Gnabry hit the post and Diaz capitalised on a lapse from Marquinhos to slot home his second of the night.
However, Diaz’s evening turned sour when he was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Hakimi, who left the pitch in tears with a suspected ankle injury.
The hosts pressed hard after the break, controlling possession but struggling to break down Bayern’s compact defence. Their persistence was finally rewarded in the 74th minute when substitute Neves produced a stunning scissor kick from Lee Kang-in’s cross to make it 2-1.
Despite PSG’s late surge, Bayern held firm to secure all three points and maintain their perfect European run under pressure, reinforcing their credentials as the team to beat this season.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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