PSG edge Bayern to reach Club World Cup semi-finals

Paris Saint-Germain progressed to the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup with a 2-0 win over Bayern Munich in Atlanta on Friday night, courtesy of late goals from Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé – but finished the tie with nine men and now face a mounting defensive headache.

Luis Enrique’s side were made to work hard by the German champions, who dominated long stretches of the first half. Gianluigi Donnarumma was called into action on several occasions, notably denying Jamal Musiala in the 26th minute. The young German attacker would later be forced off with an apparent ankle injury after a collision with Donnarumma inside the box – a coming-together that was reviewed and deemed legal.

After the break, PSG gained control of the midfield battle. João Neves – again a standout performer – won the ball high up the pitch to start the move that led to the opener. A sharp exchange between the Portuguese midfielder and Bradley Barcola released Doué on the edge of the area, and the former Rennes man curled a left-footed effort past Manuel Neuer at the near post with 12 minutes remaining.

PSG awarded two red cards

Shortly after taking the lead, PSG were reduced to ten men. Willian Pacho received a straight red card for a late and high challenge on Leon Goretzka. Worse was to come, as Lucas Hernandez was also dismissed in stoppage time for an elbow on Raphaël Guerreiro.

In between the two red cards, Bayern thought they had a route back into the match when Thomas Müller was awarded a penalty following contact with Nuno Mendes. However, after a VAR review, referee Jesús Valenzuela reversed his decision – replays showing minimal contact.

Despite finishing with nine players, PSG sealed the result in the final seconds. Ousmane Dembélé picked up a loose ball in midfield, skipped past two defenders and finished low past Neuer to confirm the Parisians’ place in the semi-finals.

Paris Saint-Germain will now face either Real Madrid or Al Ahly in the semi-final next week. However, Luis Enrique will be without both of his starting centre-backs, Pacho and Hernandez, through suspension – potentially leaving Danilo Pereira and Milan Škriniar as the only senior options available.

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