FC Bayern’s dramatic exit from the Champions League semi-finals against PSG has drawn sharp criticism from the international press. Reports highlight a «weakening» and «miserable» performance from the record champions, who were also involved in a «handball drama.»
Following a bitter evening, Bayern Munich has been eliminated from the Champions League semi-finals. A 1-1 draw against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain was insufficient after a spectacular 4-5 aggregate loss in the first leg. International media acknowledge a deserving winner, despite Munich’s handball protests.
L’Équipe described how «the history of French football is often written in Munich, and the turf of the Allianz Arena continues to be a source of endless joy for PSG.» The publication noted that since their sensational triumph against Inter Milan on May 31st, the Parisian club has maintained a strong connection with the Bavarian powerhouse, building on their success with a deserved draw against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final second leg.
Le Figaro declared, «Paris Saint-Germain is in the final! In an extremely tense match, the Parisians, who fought heroically in defense, had to endure a lot. The second star has never been so close.»
Marca observed, «Luis Enrique once again makes Munich sacred ground for PSG. Dembélé’s early goal extended the lead from the first leg – Harry Kane’s late strike came too late for Bayern. The Parisians will defend their title against Arteta’s Arsenal.»
AS boldly stated, «PSG is the Bestia Negra!»
Mundo Deportivo predicted, «Luis Enrique’s PSG will face Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the Champions League final on May 30th. The Puskas Arena in Budapest will host a duel of Spanish coaches. While the first encounter went down in football history as one of the best games ever, the return leg between PSG and Bayern was characterized more by tension and nervousness.»
PSG ‘Neutralized’ FC Bayern and Sent Them «Into the Valley of Tears»
The BBC commented that the semi-final second leg was «no classic like the first leg in Paris. Bayern was convinced they should have been awarded a penalty in the first half when Vitinha cleared the ball against Joao Neves’ arm in the box, but according to the rules, there can be no penalty if the ball was played by a teammate.»
The Guardian reported, «Paris Saint-Germain will face Arsenal in the Champions League final because they got serious, neutralized a weakening FC Bayern, and barely faltered after extending their first-leg lead.»
The Sun exclaimed, «The defending champions it is! The Champions with an insatiable appetite for bringing the English down. After a goal-fest featuring nine goals in the first leg, Paris Saint-Germain stepped up a gear in the return leg, and FC Bayern succumbed miserably.»
Corriere dello Sport noted, «The first leg offered goals, spectacle, and excitement. The return leg followed suit and delivered the verdict: Paris Saint-Germain reaches the Champions League final for the second consecutive time. FC Bayern must accept defeat after the 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena.»
Kurier concisely stated, «End of the road at the semi-finals: Bayern falter against defending champions Paris SG.»
The Kronen Zeitung proclaimed, «PSG celebrates and sends Bayern into the valley of tears. For Germany’s champions, led by coach Vincent Kompany, the dream of the treble ended prematurely. Kane and Co. lacked the offensive means to trouble the compactly defending guests.»
Blick summarized, «Bayern fails after a handball drama.»