Paris Saint-Germain reach consecutive Champions League finals after Bayern Munich victory

Paris Saint-Germain will face Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final after the holders defeated Bayern Munich 6-4 on aggregate in their semi-final.

The reigning champions protected their first-leg advantage at Allianz Arena, with Ousmane Dembele’s early goal helping PSG secure their place in a second successive final. They will now meet Premier League leaders Arsenal with the opportunity to retain the trophy.

Both teams had drawn domestically before the second leg. PSG had been held by Lorient, while Bayern Munich also dropped points against Heidenheim over the weekend.

PSG made the stronger start and took the lead after only three minutes. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia delivered a precise ball into the penalty area, where Dembele met it first time and sent his finish into the top corner.

The goal silenced the Allianz Arena and gave the visitors further control of a tie they had already been leading on aggregate. PSG continued to carry the greater threat as the first half progressed.

Their next significant opportunity came shortly after the half-hour mark. Joao Neves directed a header across goal, but Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer reacted well to keep the effort out.

Bayern finally began to create pressure just before the interval. Harry Kane made an intelligent third-man run outside the penalty area, allowing Jamal Musiala to find space for a shot. Musiala’s powerful effort appeared destined to test PSG, but goalkeeper Matvey Safonov produced an excellent save to deny him.

PSG remained dangerous after the restart and almost extended their advantage 10 minutes into the second half. Vitinha attempted to beat Neuer with a curling effort from a tight angle, but the experienced goalkeeper was positioned correctly to make the save.

Neuer was called upon again moments later when Kvaratskhelia threatened from inside the area. The Bayern captain and goalkeeper smothered the attempt to prevent PSG from putting the tie beyond doubt.

Bayern Munich struggled to find a consistent way through the visitors’ defence, prompting manager Vincent Kompany to change his team. Alphonso Davies and Kim Min-jae were introduced in place of Josip Stanisic and Jonathan Tah as the German side searched for a route back into the contest.

The hosts eventually found an equaliser in added time. Kane collected a forward pass from Davies before finishing into the top corner, giving Bayern a late boost in front of their home supporters.

That goal, however, was not enough to change the outcome of the semi-final. PSG held on to complete a 6-4 aggregate victory and reach another UEFA Champions League final.

The holders will now face Arsenal, who lead the Premier League, for the chance to win back-to-back European titles.