Bayern Munich hosted Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of the much-heralded Champions League tie and the game did not quite live up to expectations.
The 1-1 draw sent PSG on to the next round and left the Bavarians questioning how things fell apart so quickly — and why they could not solve Luis Enrique’s puzzle. It was disappointing and deflating to say the least, but let’s get into it. Here are some quick hitters on the match:
- The only real debate for the starting XI was at outside-back, where Vincent Kompany opted to ride the duo that helped get the team to this point — Konrad Laimer and Josip Stanišić. There was a great push by fans for Alphonso Davies to start, but having Davies able to come off the bench was not a bad option to have. Otherwise, this was exactly what was expected.
- As it turns out, Kompany had the right idea as Davies would come on have a good showing (including an assist), but neither Laimer, nor Stanišić was all that good on the day.
- Bayern Munich got off to a nightmare start. Just three minutes into the game, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia slipped behind the Bayern Munich backline and crossed to a wide open Ousmane Dembélé for a quick 1-0 lead. Fabián Ruiz sent the perfect ball in to Kvaratskhelia to spearhead the play.
- There is no way that Dembélé should that been that wide open.
- Kvaratskhelia was really too much for Bayern Munich to handle. A lot of people want to talk about Michael Olise being the best wing in the world, but Kvaratskhelia has a very strong claim to that title. Both guys are excellent, but Kvaratskhelia is winning — and playing big — at the highest level. PSG’s not-so-secret weapon was a mismatch for anyone Bayern Munich threw at him. At left-wing, he is an absolute menace.
- Bayern Munich’s decision-making in the final third was not great in the first half.
- In the 22nd minute, Luis Díaz sent Warren Zaire-Emery sprawling with some dazzling footwork before he ripped off a shot that went high and wide.
- PSG was so aggressive with its press and that took a toll on Bayern Munich.
- In the 28th minute, Olise made a sensational move to cut-in, but fired his attempt right over the crossbar. On a different day, Bayern Munich might have been up 2-1 by this point.
- In the 29th minute, Nuno Mendes, who was sitting on a yellow card, had a handball, which the referee did not call. This was clear (and not altogether different than the Davies’ handball last week). However, at halftime a different view of the play was shown and you could see that Laimer actually had a handball that preceded the play Mendes. This writer was beside himself until seeing the replay.
- Second later, there should have been an actual handball on PSG by João Neves, this one in the box. If Davies’ play was a handball, so was this.
- Jamal Musiala really struggled early in the first half and Olise did not look as sharp as normal.
- Similarly, Aleksandar Pavlović scuffled through the first half and struggled to make an impact.
- Bayern Munich was just not sharp. In the 43rd minute, Olise weighted a pass a little too hard for Laimer, who would get to it, but hit his cross too far for anyone to get. The first half was marred by Bayern Munich being just a bit off.
- In the 44th minute, Musiala had two great chances, but could not finish. The first was saved by Matvey Safanov.
- Bayern Munich was feeling the pressure and spiked up its urgency, but PSG had no incentive to match that while holding a 1-0 lead in the game and a 6-4 lead on aggregate.
- Josip Stanišić did not have a great first half either.
- Just before the half ended, Jonathan Tah sent a header just wide and should have done better with his attempt.
- Kompany did not make any subs at halftime. The only real possibility was Davies for Stanišić as the manager was not going to move anyone else.
- In the 55th minute, Pavlović had a good look, but completely airmailed his attempt.
- PSG had Bayern Munich scrambling and flustered. Manuel Neuer had to make big stops on Désiré Doué and Kvaratskhelia in consecutive minutes.
- Bayern Munich’s penchant for poor decisions continued in the second half. Mistakes were running rampant, too. This was not the Bayern Munich fans had seen most of the season, it was one that did not appear to be ready for the moment.
- In the 62nd minute, Stanišić softly hit a shot at Safanov that did not even challenge the goalkeeper.
- The most distressing thing was that Bayern Munich had no ideas on how to beat a PSG backline that it shredded just a week ago.
- Neuer had to make a 65th minute save on Doué.
- Luis Enrique outcoached Kompany by the way.
- Bayern Munich’s penchant looked hapless offensively. Barring a counterattack resulting in a quick breakout, the Bavarians looked confused on how to breakdown PSG’s defense.
- In the 69th minute Safanov stopped a quick, awkward attempt from Díaz.
- Whatever Bayern Munich tried to throw at PSG, there was no answer. The Bavarians looked dumbfounded for most of the game and somewhat shellshocked.
- Bayern Munich would finally get on the scoreboard in the 4th minute of added time with a goal from Harry Kane, but it was far too little, too late.
- Overall, Bayern Munich has to be extremely disappointed in itself. From a fan standpoint, sure, the Bavarians laid an egg at the worst time, but it does not take away from the greatness of this season. However, it does reinforce that some changes need to be made. A new center-back, right-back, midfielder, and attacker will be needed to get the team where it needs to be for next season — and the center-back and attacker needed to be world class-type players. Kompany needs to evolve as well. The coach opened himself up to rotations this season, just not enough. Too many players were worn down from crazy workloads accumulated throughout the season. Kompany also must understand that altering his core philosophy is not a weakness. Enrique talked a big game all week about not changing, but when needed, his team hunkered and protected the goal. This season is far from a waste, but Bayern Munich does need to learn from where it wrong against PSG. Opportunities like this are not easy to come by.
Real eyeing Yildiz? (ESPN)
Real Madrid could be plotting to make a move for former Bayern Munich academy star and current Juventus attacker Kenan Yildiz:
Real Madrid are interested in Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Los Blancos have reportedly identified the 21-year-old as a dream signing, and he could be on their shortlist for the summer as they look to strengthen their squad following disappointing performances in LaLiga and the Champions League this season. Yildiz has previously been linked with Chelsea, but recently signed a four-year contract in February that secures his future with the Bianconeri until the summer of 2030.
Woltemade wants out of NUFC (Football Insider)
Things might be escalating between former Bayern Munich transfer target Nick Woltemade and Newcastle United:
Nick Woltemade is expected to push to leave Newcastle United this summer, with the club looking to add a new striker to the squad, sources have told Football Insider. Eddie Howe has made it clear that he wants a new frontman added to his group ahead of next season, and the Magpies’ PIF ownership are willing to make that happen.
Woltemade is already down the pecking order at St James’ Park, and sources have indicated that a move to add another option in his position may provide the final straw for his time in the North East.
Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Newcastle want to avoid a “huge loss” on Woltemade, but that is likely to mean they massively limit the number of clubs that could buy him as a result. They are reluctant to sanction a departure for the star unless they are able to recoup the majority of their £69m outlay, but that has already put off Bayern Munich, who had been long-term admirers.
This is what you call buyer’s remorse — on both sides of this. Woltemade is getting hit with the reality that he really never wanted to go to Newcastle United, while the Magpies are experiencing the regret of having made a panic buy.
For the right price, Bayern Munich might go against recent reports and take a look at Woltemade, but NUFC is unlikely to drop its price that much on Woltemade even if it sees the situation as a lost cause.
Amiri on Galatasaray’s radar (Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg)
Galatasaray could be planning to take a close look at Mainz 05 attacking midfielder Nadiem Amiri:
🚨🆕 Nadiem Amiri is one of the names on Galatasaray’s shortlist for the No. 10 position.
There are different opinions within the club – ranging from “perfect fit” to head coach Okan Buruk preferring a different profile.
As revealed, Amiri is planning a move in the summer and wants to take the next step in his career. 16G/4A this season so far. 🇩🇪
Vušković to get new deal from Spurs (The Sun)
Hamburger SV center-back Luka Vušković is on loan from Tottenham Hotspur and might be getting a new contract from his parent club:
TOTTENHAM are ready to offer a bumper new contract to whizkid Luka Vuskovic in a bid to fend of interest from Europe’s elite. Croatia star Vuskovic, 19, has admirers from some of the biggest clubs in the world thanks to his stunning season on loan at Hamburg.
The centre-back, set to start against England at the World Cup, has scored five goals in 26 Bundesliga appearances this season. But Spurs are keen for Vuskovic to stay for the long term and are prepared to significantly boost his wages to keep him.
SunSport understands Spurs director of football Johan Lange travelled over to Hamburg recently to speak with Vuskovic about his future in North London. The defender is believed to be on relatively low wages having joined in the summer of 2025 on a five-year contract.
One of Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven are expected to leave Spurs this summer, while fellow centre-back Radu Dragusin could be sold. That would free up a pathway for Vuskovic.
It would be incredible if Vušković wiggled free of Tottenham and was available for Bayern Munich, but that seems very unlikely unless the Croatian youngster attempts to force a move. If that does not happen, Van de Ven is a really intriguing option. With great physical tools, he could be just the kind of defender, who Vincent Kompany can mold from good to great. Just a thought…
Villa to chase David? (ESPN)
Aston Villa could make a move for Juventus striker Jonathan David:
Aston Villa are reigniting their interest in Juventus striker Jonathan David from last summer, according to Tuttosport. The Canada international has scored eight goals in 44 appearances for the Bianconeri but could move on just one year after his free transfer from Lille. Juventus are looking to refresh their forward lines, as Dusan Vlahovic could leave as a free agent at the end of the season.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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