Bayern Munich maintained their perfect start to the season with a 2–1 Champions League victory over title-holders Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, a match overshadowed by an injury to Achraf Hakimi and a red card for Luis Díaz.
The Colombian striker opened the scoring in the fourth minute at the Parc des Princes and doubled Bayern’s lead just after the half-hour mark, capitalising on slack defending. However, Díaz was shown a red card in first-half stoppage time after a reckless challenge on Hakimi, which forced the Moroccan international off in tears.
João Neves pulled one back for PSG in the 74th minute, but Bayern, despite playing the entire second half a man down, held on for the win. Harry Kane’s efforts were unable to change the outcome, while the absence of Hakimi curtailed PSG’s attacking threat.
Bayern’s sensational campaign continues, with the German side unbeaten in 16 games across all competitions, including victories in their first four Champions League matches, scoring 56 goals in total. They remain one of only two teams with 12 points in Europe’s elite competition, alongside Arsenal.
PSG’s night was further disrupted as Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé left the field early due to a hamstring issue, his second start in two months cut short. Despite the loss, PSG remain well-placed to progress from the Champions League group stage.
The match mirrored previous heavyweight encounters, including the 2020 final in Lisbon, which Bayern won 1–0, and the Club World Cup quarter-final in July, won 2–0 by PSG. Bayern capitalised on early chances, with Michael Olise denied by PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, allowing Díaz to score from the rebound.
A whirlwind period around the half-hour saw Bayern score again after Díaz dispossessed Marquinhos and slotted home. Shortly before half-time, Díaz’s challenge on Hakimi left the Moroccan’s left ankle awkwardly twisted, prompting the referee to upgrade his yellow card to red after review.
PSG struggled to make the numerical advantage count in the second half, with Neves’ close-range strike setting up a tense finale. Bayern ultimately held on, preserving their perfect record.
