Paris Saint-Germain marched into the semifinals of the Club World Cup with a dramatic 2-0 win over Bayern Munich in Atlanta on Saturday night, a match defined by fierce competition, late drama, and a horrific injury to Germany international Jamal Musiala.
With the win, the UEFA Champions League holders set up a semifinal clash against either Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund, scheduled for Wednesday in New Jersey.
After a cagey first hour, 18-year-old Desire Doue broke the deadlock for PSG with a superb strike in the 78th minute. However, just as the momentum swung in PSG’s favor, the French side were reduced to nine men following two red cards in quick succession turning the final stages into a tense and chaotic affair.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Ousmane Dembele sealed the win in the dying seconds of stoppage time, finishing off a swift counterattack to crush Bayern’s hopes of a late comeback.
However, the victory was marred by a gruesome injury to Bayern’s Jamal Musiala late in the first half. In added time, PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma rushed out to collect a loose ball but collided violently with Musiala, crashing into the 22-year-old’s left ankle.
The resulting scene was horrifying. Musiala’s foot appeared to dangle unnaturally, suggesting a clean break. Medical staff rushed to the scene with a stretcher, while players from both teams looked on in visible distress. Donnarumma, initially unaware of the damage, knelt in shock upon realizing the extent of the injury and was visibly emotional.
Musiala was taken off the pitch to a hushed stadium. Bayern fans later vented their anger by booing Donnarumma every time he touched the ball in the second half.
Both keepers were in fine form during the first half. Donnarumma produced two stunning saves first denying Michael Olise in the 27th minute, then stopping a curling cross from Aleksandar Pavlovic that nearly sneaked in at the far post.
Not to be outdone, Bayern veteran Manuel Neuer kept the German side alive with key saves of his own, notably blocking Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s close-range shot in the 32nd minute and stretching to stop Bradley Barcola early in the second half.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, PSG held firm under pressure. Bayern, desperate to level the score, committed men forward, which eventually left them exposed. Dembele capitalized with a clinical finish, sending the PSG bench into wild celebrations.
Now into the final four, PSG edge closer to adding another international trophy to their cabinet. They’ll await the winner of Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund in what promises to be another heavyweight clash.
- Score: PSG 2-0 Bayern Munich
- Goals: Doue (78′), Dembele (90+6′)
- Red Cards: 2 (PSG, late second half)
- Notable Injury: Jamal Musiala (suspected broken ankle)
- Next Match: PSG vs Real Madrid/Borussia Dortmund, Semifinal – July 9, New Jersey
Despite the victory, the night will be remembered as much for its heartbreak as for its heroics.
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