UEFA Champions League Semi-finals First-leg Review: Bayern Munich and PSG serve up a nine-goal thriller while Arsenal and Atletico Madrid settle for a controversial draw

The first leg of the Champions League semi-finals lived up to its hype. (Image credits – Heute; licence details).

The first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals has served Europe two exciting fixtures with stark contrasts. While the first clash between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain delivered a breathtaking nine-goal thriller that had every fan on the edge of their seats.

Though the game ended 5-4 in favour of the French hosts, both teams gave it their all, and it was easily the best football game this year. On the other hand, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid had to settle for a cagey 1-1 stalemate as their respective defences stole the show contrary to the previous game.

In Paris, both the teams displayed a sensational attacking masterclass, with superstars like Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, Michael Olise, Harry Kane and Luis Díaz stealing the show on the night. Both sides had equal momentum in the game, and it was possibly the only game where even the losing team didn't deserve to lose.

Meanwhile, in the clash between Diego Simeone and Mikel Arteta's sides, it was a show of defensive strength, with both sides being cautious rather than being ambitious. Atleti could've scored a few more goals, but David Raya was exceptional between the sticks. These two fixtures highlighted the sport's unpredictable nature, as one game delivered a game for the ages while the other faded into a cagey stalemate.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich: FT 5-4 

Paris Saint-Germain are one win away from reaching their second consecutive Champions League final. (Image credits – Heute; licence details).

Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain edged out six-time champions Bayern Munich 5-4 in a historic Champions League semi-final first leg at Parc des Princes in Paris. It was easily the best game of the season, with both teams going blow for blow in the game, and a new record was set for most goals in a UCL semi-final. 

Momentum switched like a yo-yo in this game, with Bayern Munich leading the game with a penalty from Harry Kane early in the game. However, Paris Saint-Germain showed incredible spirit to come back and led 5-2 by the 58th minute after two quick goals in the second half. The Bundesliga champions dragged themselves back in the tie by scoring two quickfire goals to keep the tie in balance heading to the second leg.

Harry Kane sent the PSG keeper the wrong way, matching Robert Lewandowski’s club record in the Champions League of bagging five straight knockout games. The England captain could've also bagged an assist, but Michael Olise failed to convert the golden chance. Ballon D'or winner Ousmane Dembele and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia were sensational on the night as they completely wrecked the Bayern defence apart.

Last season FC Barcelona and Inter Milan delivered one of the best thrillers in a Champions League semi-final, but this game even beat that with exceptional quality on both ends. The previous record for most goals in a UCL semi-final was 7. PSG registered an xG of 1.91 to Bayern's 2.51, which shows the quality of finishing from both sides on the night.

Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal: FT 1-1

Julian Alvarez scored the 25th Champions League goal of his career. (Image credits – Heute; licence details).

Atletico Madrid and Arsenal remain level on scores after a controversial 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Riyadh Metropolitano in Madrid. Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvarez scored their respective penalties in either half, but the Gunners were denied a penalty by the VAR in a controversial moment of the game. 

In the first half Atletico did dominate the game by creating the majority of the chances. Julian Alvarez came close to scoring, while Arsenal managed only one good chance, which was created by winger Noni Madueke. Viktor Gyokeres was fouled in the box late in the first half, and the Swedish international calmly slotted his penalty past Jan Oblam in goal, who returned from his injury.

Atletico received a penalty after a clumsy handball from Ben White inside the box. The Argentine striker smashed the ball past a standstill Raya in goal. In the second half, it was completely dominated by the home side; Griezmann, who played his final Champions League game at the Metropolitano, hit the woodwork. Ademola Lookman also wasted a chance from 12 yards out which was saved comfortably by Raya.

Atletico would be the unhappy side coming out from the game, as they have an exceptional record at home against English clubs. They've won three and drawn four games and haven't lost a single game. With the chances they created in the game, Diego Simeone's side could've easily scored more goals and buried the tie.

On the other hand, Arsenal will be lucky to get this fixture to the Emirates level, as they managed only 2 shots on target from their 11 attempts on goal. They registered an xG of only 1.5, while the home side managed 2.22. 

Julian Alvarez scored his 25th goal in his 41st Champions League appearance, and he broke Lionel Messi’s record by becoming the fastest to reach that goal tally by a South American in the competition. Messi took 42 games to achieve the same feat.