Paris Saint-Germain have sensationally advanced to the semi-finals of the prestigious 2025 FIFA Club World Cup following a dramatic and hard-fought 2-0 victory over European giants Bayern Munich, despite finishing the match with only nine players on the field.
The encounter, which took place at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, was filled with tension, drama, and memorable moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
After a tightly contested first half that ended goalless, PSG finally found the breakthrough in the 78th minute when Desire Doue fired a precise low finish past Manuel Neuer, giving the Ligue 1 champions a crucial lead. The young midfielder took full advantage of a defensive lapse, showcasing composure and sharpness at a critical moment.
As Bayern pushed forward desperately searching for an equaliser, PSG struck again in stoppage time, this time through Ousmane Dembele. The French winger pounced on a counter-attack and slotted home to double PSG’s lead, effectively sealing their place in the next round and sending their supporters into wild celebrations.
The match was not without its setbacks for PSG. The game turned chaotic after two red cards were shown to their players. First, Willian Pacho was sent off for a reckless and dangerous challenge on Leon Goretzka, leaving PSG with ten men. The situation worsened when Lucas Hernandez received his marching orders during added time for a clumsy late tackle on Raphael Guerreiro, reducing PSG further to nine men for the closing minutes.
Adding to the night’s drama, Bayern Munich suffered a major blow in the first half when star playmaker Jamal Musiala sustained an injury. Musiala, making his first start of the tournament, collided awkwardly with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma while chasing a loose ball. The young German clutched his ankle in pain, requiring immediate medical attention on the field, as a visibly distressed Donnarumma turned away, unable to watch.
Despite their numerical disadvantage and the heavy pressure from Bayern, PSG showed remarkable resilience and defensive discipline to hold on to their advantage. Their counter-attacking efficiency ultimately proved decisive against a Bayern side that struggled to convert possession into clear-cut chances.
The match also carried emotional significance for Bayern Munich fans, as veteran forward Thomas Müller made his final appearance for the club. Introduced late in the game, Müller’s last moments in Bayern colours were met with heartfelt applause and emotional farewells from supporters and teammates alike.
With this remarkable win, PSG now move on to the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup, where they will face either Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid or German side Borussia Dortmund in what promises to be another thrilling encounter.
The victory stands as a testament to PSG’s mental strength and depth, as they continue their quest for international glory despite the odds stacked against them.