Atlanta, July 6 (V7N) — In a dramatic quarterfinal showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Paris Saint-Germain overcame adversity to defeat Bayern Munich 2-0 and secure a place in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals. The match, loaded with controversy, physicality, and high drama, saw PSG reduced to nine men yet still finding a way past a frustrated Bayern side.

Match Summary

The tension-filled match began with Bayern Munich controlling early possession and looking the more threatening side. Leroy Sané and Harry Kane both had early chances, and Bayern believed they had taken the lead twice—only for both goals to be ruled out for offside after VAR reviews.

PSG’s problems mounted when Lucas Hernández was shown a second yellow card in the 63rd minute for a reckless challenge. Things got even worse in the 77th minute, when Willian Pacho received a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Down to nine players and on the defensive, PSG looked vulnerable.

But the breakthrough came shockingly in the 83rd minute. Against the run of play, Désiré Doué finished off a swift counterattack, curling a low shot past Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer to make it 1-0. Bayern pushed desperately for an equalizer, but PSG’s defense, led by Marquinhos and Donnarumma, held firm.

In stoppage time, Ousmane Dembélé, formerly of Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, sealed the victory with a dazzling solo goal after picking up the ball at midfield and slicing through Bayern’s tired defense to score the clincher in the 94th minute.

Injuries and Incidents

The match was marred by a potentially serious injury to Bayern’s star midfielder Jamal Musiala, who twisted his ankle awkwardly in the 28th minute and had to be stretchered off. Early medical reports suggest ligament damage, and his availability for the rest of the tournament—and possibly the start of the new Bundesliga season—remains uncertain.

Tempers flared multiple times throughout the match, with referee Esteban Ostojich issuing eight yellow cards and two reds. PSG coach Luis Enrique was visibly agitated but praised his side’s mental toughness post-match, saying, “This was a victory of character. Down to nine men, many teams would collapse. But we stood tall.”

What’s Next

PSG now await the winner of the other Club World Cup quarterfinal between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, who face off later Saturday. The semifinal will take place next week, with PSG looking to become the first French club to lift the modern Club World Cup trophy.

Key Stats

Goals: Désiré Doué (83'), Ousmane Dembélé (90+4')

Red Cards: Willian Pacho (77'), Lucas Hernández (63')

Disallowed Goals: 2 (Bayern – both offside)

Possession: Bayern 64% – PSG 36%

Shots on Target: Bayern 7 – PSG 4

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