Paris Saint-Germain booked their spot in the Club World Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought win over Bayern Munich in a match filled with drama, controversy, and a worrying injury to Bayern’s Jamal Musiala.
Desire Doue, PSG’s Champions League final hero against Inter Milan, broke the deadlock in the 78th minute with a precise low strike into the corner. Despite going down to nine men after red cards for Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez, Ousmane Dembele sealed the victory in stoppage time, setting up a mouthwatering semi-final against either Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund.
The opening half in Atlanta was entertaining but goalless, though it ended on a troubling note when Musiala, starting his first game of the tournament after returning from injury, was caught by PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma while chasing a loose pass.
The young Germany international clutched his left ankle in clear distress, while a shaken Donnarumma looked away as Bayern’s medical team rushed to his aid.
Earlier, Bayern’s Dayot Upamecano had a header ruled out for offside, and PSG’s Bradley Barcola was denied by a brilliant Manuel Neuer save after the restart.
PSG’s night turned chaotic late on. Just four minutes after Doue’s opener, defender Pacho was sent off for a high challenge on Leon Goretzka, while Hernandez saw red in injury time for a foul on Raphael Guerreiro.
There was more drama for Bayern when Harry Kane had a goal ruled out for offside, and VAR overturned a late penalty initially awarded against PSG’s Nuno Mendes for a high challenge on Thomas Muller. Referee Anthony Taylor reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor before canceling the spot-kick.
The result marked an emotional moment for Bayern legend Thomas Muller, who came on as a late substitute for Kingsley Coman to play what turned out to be his final appearance for the club after a remarkable 17-year, trophy-laden career.
