PSG vs. Bayern Munich: Odds, Preview, Live Stream, TV Info for UCL Final
Aug 23, 2020
Bayern's Serge Gnabry, right, celebrates his side's second goal with teammates Robert Lewandowski, center, and Thomas Mueller during the Champions League semifinal soccer match between Lyon and Bayern Munich at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020. (Miguel A. Lopes/Pool via AP)
Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are no strangers to collecting trophies, but both have had trouble earning the UEFA Champions League crown in recent years.
Bundesliga champions Bayern have not won Europe's top club competition since 2012-13, while Ligue 1 winners PSG are looking for their first-ever Champions League crown.
Sunday's final in Lisbon marks the second time in the competition's history that German and French sides have faced off in its deciding game. Bayern defeated Saint-Etienne in that matchup in 1976.
The 2020 title clash could be one of the most high-scoring affairs in UCL history, with Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe leading the forward lines.
Since arriving in Portugal for the quarterfinals earlier in August, PSG and Bayern have won games via their explosive attacks and strong defenses.
Les Parisiens outscored Atalanta and RB Leipzig 5-1, while Bayern torched Barcelona 8-2 and put up three on Lyon.
Lewandowski should receive most of the attention among the world-class forwards in both lineups. He leads the UCL with 15 goals, and an argument can be made that he has been the best player across Europe this season.
The Poland international has found the back of the net in each of the past three games and owns four goals and three assists from victories over Chelsea, Barcelona and Lyon.
Covering Lewandowski alone is a tough task for any defense, but unfortunately for PSG, they also have to deal with marking Muller, Serge Gnabry and others in a deep attack.
Gnabry is third behind Lewandowski and Erling Haaland in the UCL Golden Boot race, and he stuck three goals in the previous two matches.
Even the German side's defenders are lethal going forward—most notably 19-year-old Canadian left-back Alphonso Davies, who has been one of the breakout stars of this campaign.
Davies' speed could be one of the X-factors for Bayern on both ends of the pitch. His ability to get around defenders in one-on-one battles and his speed to chase down opposing attackers could create or prevent scoring opportunities over 90 minutes.
The MLS product will face one of the toughest assignments of his career against Neymar, Mbappe and Angel Di Maria. At least one member of that trio had a hand in each of PSG's five goals in its two knockout-round games in Portugal.
If Davies is able to take away one part of the attacking third, it could minimize the production of PSG's attacking triumvirate for stretches of the contest.
Juan Bernat and Thilo Kehrer will be have similar roles in the PSG defense, as they deal with the fluid movement of Lewandowski, Muller and Gnabry.
Even if the defenses turn in solid performances, the world-class attackers are good enough to take advantage of any chances they receive. After all, Bayern still let in two goals against Barcelona, and PSG conceded twice to Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16 and gave up an early strike to Atalanta in the quarterfinals.
If the game remains close late into the second half, it could take one moment of brilliance from any of the attackers to make the final difference. Muller, one of a few remaining players from Bayern's most recent UCL triumph, could be the best candidate for that role since he has been a factor in a plethora of high-profile games for Bayern and Germany throughout his career.
PSG vs. Bayern: Breaking Down the Champions League Final Position by Position
Aug 21, 2020
PSG's Neymar, left, celebrates with Kylian Mbappe after teammate Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored his team's second goal during the Champions League quarterfinal match between Atalanta and PSG at Luz stadium, Lisbon, Portugal, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020. (David Ramos/Pool Photo via AP)
August's incredible, enthralling, breathtaking UEFA Champions League knockout tournament reaches its climax on Sunday, as Paris Saint-Germain take on Bayern Munich for the right to lift 'Ol Big Ears—the historic, iconic silver trophy.
It's an incredible final, one that pits two high-powered attacking teams against one another, and arguably the best we could have asked for given who qualified for the semi-finals.
The red corner boasts the world's best No. 9 in Robert Lewandowski, a Thomas Muller back in prime form, the world's quickest left-back and a midfield so smooth it looks like its skating on ice.
In response, the blue corner offers up Neymar and Kylian Mbappe—surely two of the world's five best players—ahead of a smartly built midfield and a goalkeeper who has already won the Champions League three times.
Here, we've compared the expected starting XIs side by side to see who has the edge (on paper) heading into the final, and in the process previewed what to expect from each player, shaping the tactical battle ahead.
A rating out of 10 is given for each, which is based on their overall quality and form heading into the showpiece event.
GOALKEEPERS
Keylor Navas, PSG
PSG are hoping Navas will be fit for the final, having missed the final stages of the quarter-final and watching the entire semi-final from the sidelines.
If he does make it, it'll be a huge positive for Les Parisiens; Navas has won the Champions League three times and stands one of the game's best between the sticks. His cat-like reflexes and error-free play have formed a solid base for PSG this term.
Rating: 8/10
Manuel Neuer, Bayern
Neuer's 2019-20 season has been terrific, the 34-year-old rebounding to top form after a concerning lull between 2018 and 2019—though injuries can be deemed the reason why the drop-off happened.
The German's sweeper-keeper style is as crucial as ever behind Bayern's bold, high defensive line. He came up big against Lyon a couple of times, putting off Memphis Depay one-on-one and saving from Karl Toko Ekambi.
Rating: 9/10
RIGHT-BACKS
Thilo Kehrer, PSG
Right-back isn't Kehrer's best position, but he's seen out PSG's season there in part because he's been converted, in part because their natural option for this role, Thomas Meunier, left the club on July 1 for Borussia Dortmund.
As emergency fill-ins go, Kehrer's been pretty good. He returned from lockdown looking shredded, he was already incredibly quick, so the physical aspects have come easy to him. He's not played an adventurous or enterprising role, but he hasn't had to; his job is to give it to guys ahead of him.
Rating: 6/10
Joshua Kimmich, Bayern
Kimmich is arguably the best right-back in the world, which is a bit mad, because it's arguable right-back isn't even his best position!
He transitioned to central midfield this season, but has been restored to the flank in Lisbon due to an injury to Benjamin Pavard. He's been predictably excellent, managing to showcase his immense passing range and playmaking ability even from right-back.
Rating: 10/10
CENTRE-BACKS
Thiago Silva, PSG
A long-time leader, a veteran of this PSG project, Silva will depart PSG after the Champions League final having either accomplished a mission established back in 2012 when he joined or having come agonisingly close.
At age 35, he still stands as one of the better centre-backs in the game, and drawing on his experience and guidance will be crucial for the young players either side of him.
Rating: 7/10
Jerome Boateng, Bayern
Surely no one saw this coming.
Just a year ago Boateng's career at Bayern (and the top level in general) looked just about done; injuries had disrupted his rhythm and age (30 at the time) was starting to work against him.
His renaissance under Hansi Flick has been the most jaw-dropping of them all—even more so than Neuer's, Muller's and Leon Goretzka's. Although niggles and knocks still curtail his appearances, Boateng's vital to Bayern's defensive setup.
Wednesday night proved exactly that, as he produced a few big blocks and tackles to prevent Lyon getting dangerous shots off.
Rating: 8/10
Presnel Kimpembe, PSG
Kimpembe is really starting to emerge as one of the best left-sided centre-backs in world football now, his assured performances in Lisbon helping more and more to realise he's got close to a complete skill-set.
He has all the physical attributes you could ask for, plus a real comfort on the ball and an ability to feed the ball forward through the channels into more dangerous players. Not one Atalanta or RB Leipzig player could get the better of him.
Rating: 8/10
David Alaba, Bayern
In a move that surprised most, Alaba has grown into a leadership role in Bayern's back line under Flick, converting from left-back to centre-back and marshalling the line.
He's been pretty much perfect aside from a truly bizarre, unfortunate own goal against Barcelona, boasting the recovery pace to deal with quicker threats and a surprising aerial presence to deal with bigger ones.
Add that to his importance in Die Roten's build-up play from the back, and the balancing role he plays when Alphonso Davies storms forwards, and you're looking at a true defensive lynchpin for arguably the best team in the world.
Rating: 9/10
LEFT-BACKS
Juan Bernat, PSG
It's an odd calling card to have as a left-back, but Bernat's track record of scoring important goals in big games continued in the semi-finals as his header ended any hopes of a RB Leipzig comeback.
His defensive skill-set doesn't quite match up to his attacking one, but what he does offer is incredible energy and stamina up and down the flank all game long, and he's looked good in Lisbon.
Rating: 7/10
Alphonso Davies, Bayern
For a long time, the discussion over who is the world's best left-back has centred around two names: Andy Robertson and Jordi Alba.
But the quarter-finals saw Davies take a sledgehammer to the status quo; he was so good, he forced himself into this discussion—and for many, it was at the expense of Alba.
There is no combination of speed, one-on-one defensive ability, dribbling, crossing and shooting like Davies'; no one else can offer it or match it.
Rating: 10/10
CENTRAL MIDFIELD
Marquinhos, PSG
Earlier this week we put together a best XI from the Champions League semi-finalists and put Marquinhos at centre-back—his natural position—but the Brazilian has excelled from a defensive midfield role this season and will anchor the formation in the final.
He's smooth in possession and happy to receive off the defence, can set a physical tone in midfield and screens the back four really well.
That he's managed to score in each of the last two games—the all-important equaliser against Atalanta, then the first goal against RB Leipzig—is an added bonus. With Kehrer at right-back and Marquinhos in midfield, PSG can put four big men in the box for set pieces despite utilising a diminutive forward line.
Rating: 9/10
Thiago Alcantara, Bayern
There's more talk about Thiago's future—Liverpool? B/R's Dean Jones explores that here—than his play right now, so let's rectify that: He's a masterful, mesmeric midfielder who controls the tempo and direction of Bayern's attacking play.
Die Roten's match vs. Lyon in the semi-finals was helter-skelter, end-to-end for 90 minutes. You'd have expected Thiago to cool things down a little and take the game away from Les Gones, but it felt like they were trying to run up as big a score as possible to build confidence.
In the final, you'll see Bayern play smarter and Thiago come to the fore even more, measuring passes and circulating possession in a way few can.
Rating: 9/10
Leandro Paredes, PSG
Paredes has had to prove himself several times over at PSG despite only joining in January 2019, but is now finally gaining acceptance from those watching on.
He made a big impact off the bench in the quarter-final vs. Atalanta and performed superbly from the start against RB Leipzig, zipping passes through the lines and into the feet of the team's most dangerous players.
A talented passer with excellent vision, he projects to start the final based on good form and the fact PSG need as many needle-threaders on the pitch as possible to try and exploit Bayern's high defensive line.
Rating: 8/10
Leon Goretzka, Bayern Munich
Goretzka's finally come alive in a Bayern shirt.
After years of not really knowing what to do with him or creating a clear role for him, Flick has unlocked his box-to-box energy and incredible athleticism in a way that seriously benefits the team.
He has license to break forward from Die Roten's midfield pivot and hit the box, offering a shot from range, a body to contend with on set pieces and some very clever link-up play and flicks in dangerous areas.
Rating: 8/10
Marco Verratti, PSG
As explained at the top, this is a predicted XI, and while putting Verratti in may feel a bold call, there's more logic to it than first appears.
Thomas Tuchel gave him seven minutes (plus stoppage time) off the bench in the semi-final as he returns from injury, and PSG put him up to face the media on Thursday. That's a good sign.
Then there's also the simple reality that, if you want to try and play Verratti, it's best to start him and see what you can get from him. If it goes wrong, you have five substitutes to cover it, and you don't want it to be the other way around: Bring him on late and he breaks down, meaning you have to bring him back off again.
Verratti is one of PSG's best midfielders, a Thiago-esque presence in the way he controls and dictates the rhythm of a game. If there's a chance to get even one half out of him in the final, Tuchel has to try.
Rating: 8/10
Thomas Muller
Like Neuer and Boateng, Muller represents an old flame revitalised at Bayern, his productivity levels and importance to the side rising to the point where they match—or perhaps even exceed—their zenith back in 2013.
If Bayern win the Champions League, there's a serious conversation to be had over whether this has been Muller's best ever season.
He hasn't changed a bit in the seven years that have passed since then, still that same odd combination of graceful and awkward, an elite footballer spliced with a baby giraffe who is yet to learn to walk.
Rating: 9/10
RIGHT-WINGERS
Angel Di Maria, PSG
You can list off all the superlatives in the world when talking about Neymar and Mbappe—and we will, just a bit further down—but as incredible as they are, Di Maria has marked himself out as a near-equally important member of the attacking setup.
He collected the man of the match award against RB Leipzig, setting up two goals and scoring one himself, offering an invaluable work rate alongside a cutting edge that sliced through the Germans' defensive setup.
As PSG look within their ranks for experience on the final stage, the gaze will no doubt linger at Di Maria, who put in a man of the match performance in the 2014 final as Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid. That pedigree could prove crucial.
Rating: 9/10
Serge Gnabry, Bayern
In case you hadn't already noticed, Wednesday's game left no one in any doubt: Gnabry is absolutely lethal.
Left foot or right, close range or long, he can rifle a shot into the corner before you can blink. His nine Champions League goals this term mark him out as Bayern's secondary goal threat behind Lewandowski—and he's managed that tally from just eight starts!
His reliability in front of goal and when playing the final pass seems to have cemented his spot in the XI ahead of fellow speedster Kingsley Coman, and don't be surprised if he pops up with another huge goal in the final.
Rating: 9/10
LEFT-WINGERS
Kylian Mbappe, PSG
PSG with and without Mbappe are two vastly different entities. Without him, Neymar has to work overtime and he lacks runners to pick out. But with him, the speed and runs Mbappe offers—in addition to his finishing prowess—gives PSG a sharp edge in the final third few can deal with.
It won't have escaped Mbappe's attention that Bayern play with a very high defensive line and leave space in behind to exploit—space which Mbappe would revel in.
That's probably the most obvious tactical trigger point that helps decide this final, as Bayern won't alter their approach even in the face of one of the quickest, deadliest forwards in the game. Just how effectively can he make use of that space?
Rating: 10/10
Ivan Perisic, Bayern
Perisic has had to work hard to force his way into this XI, existing as a backup option for most of the season, but has found form at the most pivotal time, looking excellent against all three of Chelsea, Barcelona and Lyon.
His battle with Kehrer on the flank will be physical and combative, and the difficulty with containing Perisic is that he can use either foot so well, he's a danger from any position or angle.
The superb timing of his runs down the left in transition and the sheer velocity with which he slams balls into the six-yard box has led to goals being scored and created. He's not Bayern's biggest threat, but ignore him at your peril.
Rating: 8/10
STRIKERS
Neymar, PSG
Neymar's free central role against Atalanta in the quarter-finals took him into the No. 9 position fairly often, pushing Mauro Icardi to the right flank (where he offered very little).
With Di Maria and Mbappe back in the starting XI vs. RB Leipzig, Thomas Tuchel furthered that experiment by bencing Icardi and playing Neymar through the centre. It worked like a charm.
So we approach the Champions League final with the very real possibility of Neymar playing in the centre of the front three again, where he has been incredibly effective so far.
A lack of finishing touch notwithstanding, he's looked beyond world-class, destroying both opponents in Lisbon so far. Neymar's reminded us all that when he decides to win a game, he goes and wins it—and there's little you can do to stop it.
Rating: 10/10
Robert Lewandowski, Bayern
Lewandowski's late header to top a 3-0 semi-final win took him to 15 Champions League goals for the season. He's now a hat-trick in the final away from Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 17 goals, and he'll complete the campaign having played two fewer games due to coronavirus.
He represents the ultimate No. 9 right now, looking the best he's ever looked, combining predatory finishing with an array of clever flicks and passes to help create goals too.
His relationship with Muller and his understanding of Goretzka's runs and timings is part of what makes this Bayern attack feel so relentless, so fast-paced, and so unstoppable at times.
Rating: 10/10
PSG total score:90/110
There are a couple of question marks hanging over PSG's XI for the final. Will Verratti start, or will Ander Herrera continue in his place? Will Icardi return to the starting lineup, or will Tuchel turn to Idrissa Gueye?
No matter what Tuchel decides to do, he's offering out the weaker side of the two—on paper. He'll have to produce the better gameplan, and rely on better execution, to compensate.
Bayern total score:99/110
Bayern look every bit the best team in the world right now, and the scores pretty much back that up. There's no weak link, the depth is superb and they have difference-makers across the pitch.
They walk into the final as favourites, having won 10 Champions League games in a row, but still need to play to the maximum of their abilities to defeat a PSG side fuelled by world-class attacking talent.
Champions League 2020 Final: Odds for PSG vs. Bayern Munich
Aug 19, 2020
Bayern players celebrate the second goal of their team during the Champions League semifinal soccer match between Lyon and Bayern Munich at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020. (Miguel A. Lopes/Pool via AP)
Bayern Munich have opened as favorites over Paris Saint-Germain for Sunday's final in the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League.
Caesars Palace lists Bayern at -105 (bet $100 to win $95) to lift their sixth European Cup, while PSG are +235 to claim their long-awaited triumph on the Champions League stage. A draw after 90 minutes is +310.
Bayern Munich sealed their place with a 3-0 victory over Lyon on Wednesday. Serge Gnabry had a brace, and Robert Lewandowski continued his stretch of individual dominance in Europe with the Germans' final goal.
Did Lewandowski score in his last 15 CL games?
Yes Yes Yes Yes No played Liverpool No played Liverpool Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Paris Saint-Germain were victorious by the same margin over RB Leipzig on Tuesday. Angel Di Maria was the man of the match, notching two assists and scoring a goal of his own.
Ángel Di María has now provided 27 Champions League assists; since the start of the 2003-04 season, only Cristiano Ronaldo (38) and Lionel Messi (33) have provided more.
The biggest knock on PSG in recent seasons is that they make it look easy against domestic competition, only to unravel when the pressure ratchets up in the Champions League. To some extent, they haven't fully lived down that 6-1 loss to Barcelona in March 2017.
Paris Saint-Germain's late comeback against Atalanta and decisive performance against Leipzig is helping to shed that label.
Still, Bayern simply look to be a slight level above those continental counterparts.
Bayern: 10 CL wins in a row 20 wins in a row in all competitions 28 wins and one draw from last 29 a combined score of 15-3 from last three games
No one has ever reached a CL final on better form.
PSG have one of the best attacks in the world, especially with Kylian Mbappe having recovered from his ankle injury. And yet, that might not afford them a big advantage. Not only is Lewandowski in scintillating form, but Serge Gnabry reminded everybody he's capable of pulling out a world-class finish.
Bayern have Alphonso Davies and Joshua Kimmich, too, to exploit any space Neymar and Di Maria leave open down the flank with their forward runs.
More than anything, Bayern Munich are excellent at putting their opponents to the sword.
In the quarterfinals, a David Alaba own goal brought Barcelona level in the seventh minute against Bayern. The Bavarians responded with three goals over the next 24 minutes to take a commanding 4-1 lead. They put four more past Barca in an 8-2 drubbing.
In the semifinals, Memphis Depay hit the side netting in the fourth minute and Karl Toko Ekambi hit the post for Lyon in 17th minute. One minute after that, Gnabry put Bayern ahead.
That Lyon could get in behind the Bayern defense for a pair of golden scoring opportunities is a warning sign ahead of Sunday.
If Bayern standing so «high» with their Back 4 and let PSG get so many chances as Lyon tonight......they can lose the Final
You'd like Neymar or Mbappe's chances of putting the ball in the back of the net when they get time and space in the 18-yard box.
The COVID-19 pandemic threw the entire season into disarray, while Lyon and Leipzig's semifinal runs showed how one-legged ties can open the door for late-round upsets.
A PSG-Bayern final isn't a matchup fans would've ruled out when the campaign first opened, though. Sunday's clash should be a dramatic affair.
Bayern Munich Beat Lyon 3-0, Advance to Face PSG in Champions League Final
Aug 19, 2020
Bayern's Serge Gnabry, right, celebrates his side's second goal with teammates Robert Lewandowski, center, and Thomas Mueller during the Champions League semifinal soccer match between Lyon and Bayern Munich at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020. (Miguel A. Lopes/Pool via AP)
A brace from Serge Gnabry powered Bayern Munich into the Champions League final as the Bundesliga winners earned a 3-0 win over Lyon in the semifinals.
Lyon started brightly and narrowly missed on a pair of chances to go ahead 1-0. Gnabry made the French side pay with his best Arjen Robben impression.
Gnabry collected the ball on the right flank and ran across the edge of the 18-yard box before firing a powerful left-footed shot past Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes.
Gnabry's second was less picturesque. The normally clinical Robert Lewandowski couldn't get a solid touch to a low cross from Ivan Perisic. Gnabry followed up with a tap-in after Lopes was unable to clear the danger.
Once again just like when he put four past Tottenham Hotspur in last year's Champions League, some were quick to call back to how poorly Gnabry's stint in the Premier League with Arsenal went before he became a star for Bayern.
Arsenal FC Serge Gnabry 🤝 career total of 2 goals in CL semi-finals
Serge Gnabry was “not good enough” for West Brom the same way Marco Materazzi was “not good enough” for Everton. Sometimes the wrong time and fit is just the wrong time and fit.
The match might have unfolded very differently if either of Lyon's two forwards capitalized when getting in behind the Bayern defense. Memphis Depay hit the side netting in the fourth minute, and Karl Toko Ekambi had a shot carom off the post in the 17th minute.
Bayern devastated Barcelona in the quarterfinals with eight goals, a result so one-sided the Catalans sacked their manager and sporting director ahead of a potential full-scale transformation.
The gap between Bayern and Lyon was much smaller, though the Bavarians were deserved winners because they took full advantage of their opportunities.
Lyon simply didn't have luck on their side, and they were also up against one of the best goalkeepers in the world to add further difficulty.
Same story but with Bayern playing worse and Lyon defending much better. https://t.co/IwkhgnzOSb
As the captain, Depay was one of the first names on the team sheet. Manager Rudi Garcia might rue having started the Dutch striker since Lyon looked a little more threatening after Depay made way for Moussa Dembele in the 58th minute.
They were still unable to claw a goal back, and Lewandowski removed any doubt by scoring in the 88th minute.
That is an absolutely beautiful header from Robert Lewandowski, eyes on the ball all the way through. He should be the Ballon d’Or winner this year, he will just have to settle potentially for the Champions League. The best No9 around.
9 - Robert Lewandowski has scored in nine consecutive UEFA Champions League appearances for Bayern München – only Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018 (11) have scored in more successive matches in the competition’s history. Machine. pic.twitter.com/Tm5DDGYimq
From a neutral perspective, Bayern vs. PSG is probably the final most fans wanted to see when the semifinals were set.
Lyon making a Champions League final would've been a great story, but they dropped both of their Ligue 1 meetings with PSG by a combined score of 5-2. The Parisians also look sharper than they were when the two sides met in the Coupe de la Ligue final in July, when they prevailed 6-5 on penalties.
Bayern will be a tougher test for Paris Saint-Germain, who might also relish besting an established European power to capture that elusive Champions League trophy.
What's Next?
Bayern and PSG will face off Sunday at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal. Bayern are looking to collect their sixth European cup, which would tie them with Liverpool for the third-most of all time. PSG, on the other hand, have yet to lift the trophy.
PSG to Face Lyon or Bayern Munich in UCL Final After Win vs. RB Leipzig
Aug 18, 2020
PSG's Marquinhos, left, celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the Champions League semifinal soccer match between RB Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. (David Ramos/Pool Photo via AP)
Paris Saint-Germain are one win away from their long-sought-after Champions League title following a 3-0 victory over RB Leipzig in the semifinals in Lisbon, Portugal.
Angel Di Maria played a starring role as he scored in the 42nd minute and assisted on his club's two other goals.
The health of Kylian Mbappe was a major storyline entering the match. The French forward was limited to a substitute appearance in the quarterfinal round against Atalanta with an ankle injury, but PSG manager Thomas Tucheltold reportershe was ready to start for Tuesday's pivotal clash.
While Mbappe didn't get on the score sheet, he was a constant threat in the final third whether he was directly attacking Leipzig defenders on the ball or dragging them away from the action with his movement off the ball.
One would expect PSG to have an advantage in open play given the wealth of talent at their disposal. Their opening goal resulted from a set piece, however.
Di Maria whipped in a cross that allowed Marquinhos to have a free header in the 13th minute.
The quarterfinal hero strikes first!
Di Maria puts the ball right on Marquinhos' head and PSG takes the early lead. pic.twitter.com/YHVXLgzcfP
Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi gifted the Ligue 1 champions their second goal, leaving his club in dire straits.
Playing out from the back has its benefits, but simply clearing it out to midfield can be the sensible approach sometimes. Gulacsi was reminded of that the hard way as his poor pass set in motion a chain of events that culminated in an easy chance for Di Maria from close range.
Juan Bernat eliminated any doubt about the result when he headed in a cross from Di Maria in the 56th minute. The Leipzig players lobbied the referee to say Bernat was offside, but subsequent replays showed that Leipzig defender Nordi Mukiele had played him on.
Over the last few years, the perception around Paris Saint-Germain is that they can steamroll the competition in France but then wilt when the lights shine brightest in the Champions League. Most famously, they lost 6-1 to Barcelona in the second leg of the 2016-17 round of 16.
The Parisians were firmly in control on both ends of the pitch on Tuesday. They pressed high when losing possession, which played a role in Gulacsi's mistake, and were cohesive in building attacking moves. PSG finished with nine shots on target to three for Leipzig.
Qatar Sports Investments has cycled through five different managers and spent untold millions since purchasing a controlling share in the club in 2011. Winning the Champions League was the ultimate objective, and now Paris Saint-Germain are on the cusp of making that dream a reality.
What's Next?
Paris Saint-Germain await the winner of Wednesday's semifinal between Lyon and Bayern Munich. The final is Sunday at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.
Building the Best XI Out of the Champions League Semi-Finalists
Aug 17, 2020
Bayern's Robert Lewandowski in action during the Champions League quarterfinal soccer match between Barcelona and Bayern Munich in Lisbon, Portugal, Friday, Aug. 14, 2020. (Rafael Marchante/Pool via AP)
A truly helter-skelter week of UEFA Champions League quarter-final football whittled the list of contenders for the crown from eight to four.
Only Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, RB Leipzig and Lyon remain in contention to lift the trophy, with each club standing just two games from glory.
We've attempted to build the best possible XI out of the remaining cast of players, picking on a combination of established ability and those who have delivered standout performances in the latter stages of the competition.
There is one caveat to keep it from getting boring: We limited selections to a maximum of three per club. That stopped it from being a rather cliched all-star team built on name power and meant we were able to get a little bit creative with who slotted in where.
GK: Anthony Lopes, Lyon
Lopes is both a good goalkeeper and a top entertainer; he has a habit of embellishing saves, shall we say, as he throws his body toward the ball in dramatic fashion.
He hasn't been too busy over the course of the knockout stages, as the defensive line of five in front of him has eliminated space and put in a big shift of blocks and tackles, but he's been solid when called upon, with his standout moments probably coming in the form of free-kick stops against Juventus and Manchester City.
With restrictions on players per club in picking this XI, and given the sheer amount of outfield quality to pick from within the ranks of Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain in particular, Lopes is the most logical choice between the sticks.
RB: Konrad Laimer, RB Leipzig
Known as a box-to-box midfielder with N'Golo Kante-esque stamina, Laimer was deployed in a strange right-wing-back role for RB Leipzig against Atletico Madrid (when they had the ball), overlapping Marcel Sabitzer, popping up at the back post and teasing in crosses.
It's enough of an excuse to include him at right-back here—to be fair, Laimer is the type of central midfielder whose skills translate to full-back well—and sing his praises in what has been a sensational 2019-20 campaign for him.
Relentless energy, dynamism, excellent pressing and tactical intelligence are his calling cards. He's a perfect fit for Leipzig's highly flexible system.
CB: Dayot Upamecano, RB Leipzig
Upamecano came of age during Leipzig's 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals. His dominant performance at the back completely nullified Diego Costa and Alvaro Morata, catching the world's attention in the process.
He's a risk-taker of a centre-back, sticking tight to his man and often nipping forward to intercept or clear, and he is that way because he knows he has remarkable recovery speed, backing himself to get back and clear the second time if he misses the first.
Against Atletico there were no second times; he dealt with every cross, through ball and set piece masterfully, preventing Diego Simeone's men from ever looking a true, threat on goal.
Upamecano put in a similar performance against Bayern Munich in February, playing a huge role in holding them to a 0-0 draw. That's the only game in 2020 Bayern haven't won.
This kid loves a big occasion and will no doubt go on to be one of the world's best in his position.
CB: Marquinhos, Paris Saint-Germain
We've seen Marquinhos in central midfield more often than in central defence this season, but at heart he's still a centre-back and fits snugly into our XI there.
He has slowly developed into one of the finest defensive-minded players in the world, boasting the tactical acumen to lead the line, the physical range to cope with any opponent and the comfort in possession to step into midfield on a permanent basis if required.
At 26, he is entering prime age for his position, and he's knocking on the door of the elite tier of defenders.
LB: Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich
Davies' spectacular rise and incredible talent are no longer a secret to anyone. What he did to Barcelona in the quarter-finals broke the internet, ensuring even the most casual fan knew his name.
It's been a transformative year for the Canadian, who began the 2019-20 campaign as a reserve winger. By October he had been thrust into action as an emergency left-back, and by February he looked like one of the world's best in that position.
For the past two years, the debate of "who is the world's best left-back?" has thrown up two names: Andy Robertson and Jordi Alba. But last week we may have watched Davies supplant Alba in the pecking order.
The speed, the dribbling, the attacking instincts combined with a ridiculous ability to recover—no one has found an answer for it yet.
CM: Marcel Sabitzer, RB Leipzig
There isn't much Sabitzer can't do.
The 2019-20 season has marked him out as one of the most versatile players in the game, capable of playing any midfield position or tactical role, offering discipline, work rate and overwhelming quality wherever he's deployed.
You'll remember the incredible goal he scored against Zenit Saint Petersburg in the group stage, a swerving outside-of-the-boot volley, and that was one of 16 goals in all competitions. Added to that are 11 assists, the latest of which was a pinpoint cross for Dani Olmo's opening goal in the quarter-final.
His production levels this term have been superb, but crucially, they go hand in hand with immense tactical understanding and game management.
CM: Houssem Aouar, Lyon
Perhaps Lyon's standout player against Juventus and Manchester City, Aouar is enchanting the world with his blend of silky ball-carrying and tenacious defending.
Lyon manager Rudi Garcia instructs a cautious game plan for his central-midfield three, which Aouar operates on the left of, asking them to stay close to the defensive line and work hard to pressure and recover the ball.
Once they win it, Aouar is the one with licence to dribble, dazzle and roam; he can slalom out of danger with the ball and pick a pass, and he's quick to push up and support his strikers when they need a midfield runner.
Goal, among others, reported earlier this summer that he might be available for €50 million. His exploits in the round of 16 and quarter-finals should have pushed that price up—else he's an absolute bargain in waiting.
RW: Thomas Muller, Bayern Munich
A man reborn this season, Muller has hit levels even the 2014 version of himself would be greatly impressed by.
His 14 goals and 26 assists this term speak to how effective he's been for Bayern, who themselves have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence under the influence of Hansi Flick.
In a way, he's back to his old self: able to float around and pick out spaces to manipulate, moving with the flow of the game and striking at the right time.
His on-pitch relationship with Robert Lewandowski has developed into something special; he assisted the Polish striker a league-high eight times in the Bundesliga in 2019-20, per WhoScored.com, and their one-two play against Barcelona took apart the defence.
AM: Neymar, Paris Saint-Germain
When Neymar's focus is narrowed, his eyes on the prize, there's very little you can do to stop him—Atalanta found that out the hard way last week.
He completed a ridiculous 16 dribbles in that game, per WhoScored.com, tying Lionel Messi's single-game record in the Champions League, as he tore through the Italians' defence time and time again.
It's the first time in years that he's been fit and available to take part at this stage of the competition, and he lifts PSG to a totally different level when he's present.
His finishing touch was off against Atalanta, but he laid the foundations for the win, putting the team on his back until Kylian Mbappe came on and then creating the two goalscoring scenarios that saw them qualify for the semi-finals.
His manic celebrations at the final whistle conveyed what this means to him more than any words can.
LW: Kylian Mbappe, Paris Saint-Germain
Mbappe recovered from an ankle injury to give PSG 30 minutes against Atalanta, and those 30 minutes changed the face of the game. If ever you need a reminder of just how good the elite players are, watch their teams toil without them for a spell!
The France international's speed, directness and great timing of runs ripped apart Atalanta's right side. He drove Hans Hateboer back and breached the space behind him constantly, giving Neymar a pass to aim for and supplying the game-winning assist late on.
We've reached the stage where Mbappe is a top-five player in football, a true game-changer and game-plan-wrecker, the type of player it takes two or more men to stop. That PSG have two of those types is the reason they're a true contender for the crown.
ST: Robert Lewandowski, Bayern Munich
This is the best Lewandowski has ever been.
He's always been a complete forward, and since 2012 he's been near or at the top of the game, but the 2020 version of him is a level above even that.
His cute finish against Barcelona in the quarter-finals was his 54th goal of the season in all competitions, and his lay-off for Muller's opener was his ninth assist. He is the epicentre of football's most dangerous, fluid attack; his sharp-shooting has hit new levels of dangerous.
In recent weeks there have been cries that the cancellation of the 2020 Ballon d'Or has robbed Lewandowski of what would be his first-ever win of that trophy. Given the evidence we have to date, it's hard to disagree with that sentiment.
He was the only choice to lead our XI's line and the perfect note to end on.
Champions League 2020: Updated Title Odds After End of Quarterfinals
Aug 15, 2020
PSG's Marquinhos, centre, celebrates with teammate Thilo Kehrer, left, after scoring his team's first goal during the Champions League quarterfinal match between Atalanta and PSG at Luz stadium, Lisbon, Portugal, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020. (David Ramos/Pool Photo via AP)
The Champions League semifinal field is set after Lyon upset Manchester City 3-1 on Saturday behind a pair of goals from substitute Moussa Dembele. Lyon will face Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich, while Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig will form the other semifinal.
PerCaesar's Palace, Bayern Munich is a -200 favorite ($200 bet to win $100) to take home the Champions League crown for the sixth time in the club's history.
PSG sits at +260 ($100 bet to win $260), and RB Leipzig (+900) and Lyon (+1500) stand as the quartet's clear underdogs.
As far as the semifinal odds are concerned, Bayern Munich is a -450 favorite to beat Lyon, while PSG is a -130 favorite to defeat RB Leipzig.
Lyon enters the semifinal on an incredible momentum high following its win over Manchester City, but the road doesn't get any easier for the Ligue 1 side, as Bayern Munich is fresh off an 8-2 quarterfinal win over Barcelona and recently finished its eighth straight season winning Germany's top league. Lyon took seventh in Ligue 1 this year.
In the other half of the bracket, PSG will look to continue its magic from the quarterfinals, when it entered the 90th minute down 1-0 to Atalanta but won 2-1 after goals from Marquinhos and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.
RB Leipzig has finished third in the Bundesliga table in each of the past two seasons. PSG won Ligue 1 for the third straight campaign.
Lisbon, Portugal, will be the home for the Champions League semifinals. Estadio da Luz will host the PSG vs. RP Leipzig match on Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET.
Lyon and Bayern Munich will battle in Estadio Jose Alvalade on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET.
The semifinal victors will meet Sunday at 3 p.m. in Estadio da Luz to determine the Champions League winner.
Top Winners and Losers After Saturday's Champions League QuarterfInals Results
Aug 15, 2020
Lyon's Moussa Dembele, centre, celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal during the Champions League quarterfinal match between Manchester City and Lyon at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020. (Franck Fife/Pool Photo via AP)
Lyon's incredible run in the UEFA Champions League continued in stunning fashion Saturday.
The French side benefited from a pair of second-half goals out of Moussa Dembele to down Manchester City 3-1.
To reach the semifinal round, Lyon knocked off two title contenders: Juventus in the round of 16 and Manchester City in the one-leg quarterfinal.
Manchester City was let down by some defensive lapses, but it still created plenty of chances to play its way back into the game.
Lyon will now try to do the unthinkable and defeat a third European giant in a row in the semifinal against Bayern Munich on Wednesday in Lisbon, Portugal.
Winners and Losers from Saturday's Quarterfinal
Winner: Moussa Dembele
The boost provided by Dembele's introduction was similar to what Paris Saint-Germain received when Kylian Mbappe entered in its quarterfinal win Wednesday.
The 24-year-old French forward added an instant spark to the Lyon offense and put away the two chances he was given.
In the 79th minute, he ran toward the Man City goal untouched after he received the ball through a splendid dummy by Karl Toko Ekambi that kept the play onside.
The pair of goals moved Dembele's career Champions League tally against Manchester City to four, which is more than he has against the other 11 squads he has faced in the competition, per Opta:
4 - Moussa Dembele 🇫🇷 has scored more goals against Manchester City in the Champions League (4 goals in 3 games) than against the other 11 teams he’s faced in the competition (3 in 22 games). GameOver.#MCIOL#UCLpic.twitter.com/fBItHoL8Bh
Dembele only made seven touches in his 16-minute cameo, but he made an impact with the time he spent on the ball.
Winner: Karl Toko Ekambi
Ekambi made the most important play of the game without touching the ball.
The 27-year-old forward was in an offside position when Houssem Aouar played a ball from midfield through the Man City defense.
If Ekambi touched the ball, the attacking move would have either been whistled dead on the spot or called back during a review because he would have made contact in an offside position.
Instead, he made the smart move to dummy over the ball and let it roll to Dembele, who surged forward to beat Ederson.
Without the smart thinking on the fly from Ekambi, Lyon may have been stuck tied at a goal apiece and would have had to fight longer to move on.
The glaring miss late in the second half will be what most people remember about Sterling from the contest despite him having one of the better performances in the City squad.
Sterling dropped in the game-tying assist to Kevin De Bruyne in the 69th minute and combined well with the Belgian for a bulk of the contest.
Sterling finished with three shots and a trio of key passes, but he could not get an attempt on target while City was chasing a result.
Loser: Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola has been unable to get Man City over the quarterfinal hump in the Champions League.
As Opta noted, the manager failed to put the English club into the final four after having a wealth of success with FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
3 - Since progressing from his first seven Champions League quarter-finals as a manager with Barcelona and FC Bayern München, Pep Guardiola has been eliminated in each of his three appearances at this stage of the competition with Man City (17-18, 18-19 & 19-20). Crushing. #UCLpic.twitter.com/szeEW7qLWG
Guardiola's tactical plan was questionable at best, as he started Aymeric Laporte, Eric Garcia and Fernandinho in a back three.
Laporte and Garcia were caught out on a few occasions, and Fernandinho had to be taken off in the 56th minute with a yellow card to his name.
Guardiola adjusted well for parts of the contest, but the defensive setup ultimately failed him when the high line was exposed by Dembele on the game-winning goal.
The loss ended an unsuccessful season by Man City's standards in which it was dumped out of the UCL in the quarterfinals, lost the Premier League title to Liverpool, did not make the FA Cup final and only won the EFL League Cup.
Top Winners and Losers After Friday's Champions League Quarter-Finals Results
Aug 14, 2020
Bayern's Thomas Mueller celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides fourth goal during the Champions League quarterfinal match between FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, Friday, Aug. 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez/Pool)
Bayern Munich's spot in the UEFA Champions League semifinals felt secure before the half-time whistle blew Friday.
The Bundesliga champions ran rampant through the Barcelona defense on the way to an 8-2 win that looked as easy as the scoreline indicates.
Bayern put four goals past Barca in the first half thanks to some world-class finishing from Thomas Muller and others and some poor defending from the Spanish side.
Hansi Flick's squad is now one step away from the final. They will face the winner of Saturday's clash between Manchester City and Lyon on Wednesday in Lisbon, Portugal.
Winners and Losers from Friday's Quarterfinal
Winner: Thomas Muller
Muller loves scoring against Barcelona.
The 30-year-old bagged a brace in the first 31 minutes to leave little doubt of Bayern's place in the final four.
Muller opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a shot that slid past a diving Marc-Andre ter Stegen into the left side of the net. He used a deft finish near the right post to turn in a Joshua Kimmich pass in the 31st minute.
Thomas Müller gives Bayern Munich a massive start!
According to Opta, only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have more goals in the UCL knockout stages than the German:
23 - Thomas Müller has now scored 23 goals in the Champions League knockout stages, the third-most of any player behind Cristiano Ronaldo (67) and Lionel Messi (47). Stage. #UCLpic.twitter.com/3p2GYY7tKe
Muller finished with two goals, an assist and five key passes on 43 touches in 90 minutes.
Winner: Joshua Kimmich
You could reserve this position for any of the Bayern Munich players who contributed to a goal Friday.
Joshua Kimmich only had one goal, which occurred on his lone shot on target, but he was active in the final third throughout the rout.
The 25-year-old handed out seven key passes, the most of any Bayern player, and picked up an assist while completing 82.5 percent of his passes.
Kimmich was one of 11 Bayern players to record a pass accuracy over 82 percent, which is one of the many mind-boggling stats to come from this blowout.
Muller and Robert Lewandowski will receive most of the attacking spotlight, but players like Kimmich could be vital to overwhelming defenses in the next two games to hoist the trophy.
Losers: Clement Lenglet and Gerard Pique
The play of Barcelona's center backs was atrocious.
Clement Lenglet and Gerard Pique were torn to shreds by the movement of Bayern's attackers, and they made countless mistakes that led to scoring opportunities.
Barcelona conceded 13 shots on target, with eight of them finding the back of the net. That is more than a 60 percent success rate against the defense of one of the top clubs in Europe.
The center backs' performance was simply unacceptable for a big club playing at this important of a stage.
The concession of eight goals marked the first time Barca let up that many tallies since the 1946 Copa del Rey round of 16, per Opta:
The embarrassment suffered by Barca will not be forgotten soon and it may lead to some changes within the squad in an attempt to get better and match the likes of Bayern next season.
Loser: Lionel Messi
If there were a player who could have rescued Barcelona from its poor start, it would have been Lionel Messi.
Unfortunately for the Spanish club, the Argentinian superstar failed to find the back of the net, and it was Luis Suarez who attempted to start a comeback with a second-half goal.
Messi managed to attempt three shots, two of which went on target, but he was not a constant factor on the ball in the final third because of Bayern's domination.
Part of the attacking failure comes down to the lineup selections from Quique Setien, who left Antoine Griezmann out of the starting lineup.
Even with a less-than-ideal attacking setup around him, Messi should have been able to create more chances to propel Barca back in the game in some capacity.
Top Winners and Losers After Thursday's Champions League Quarter-Finals Results
Aug 13, 2020
Leipzig's Tyler Adams, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the Champions League quarterfinal match between RB Leipzig and Atletico Madrid at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020. (Lluis Gene/Pool Photo via AP)
Tyler Adams' first-career goal for RB Leipzig produced one of the most memorable moments in the German club's history.
The U.S. Men's National Team midfielder scored on a deflected shot in the 88th minute to hand RB Leipzig a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals and sent the club into its first-ever semifinal appearance.
Adams' goal finished off a terrific front-to-back performance from Julian Nagelsmann's side, whose only flaw Thursday night was a penalty concession in the 70th minute.
Atletico Madrid's attack was stymied for most of the 90 minutes thanks to the play of Dayot Upamecano, whose stock on the international level continues to rise.
Winners and Losers from RB Leipzig-Atletico Madrid
Winner: Dayot Upamecano
Upamecano did not put himself on the score sheet, but he was RB Leipzig's most important player Thursday night.
The 21-year-old Frenchman was all over the pitch in the first half. He won 100 percent of his take-ons and tackles and put all of his shots on target in the first 45 minutes, per WhoScored:
According to ESPN Stats and Info, Adams' 88th-minute game-winner was the first tally from an American in the UCL quarterfinals or later:
With his goal for for RB Leipzig in the Champions League quarterfinals, Tyler Adams becomes the first U.S. International to score in the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals or later. pic.twitter.com/ne9pNA41BL
Adams became the fourth American to score in the UCL knockout phase. Christian Pulisic, Jermaine Jones and DaMarcus Beasley all scored in the round of 16, per TruMedia Sports' Paul Carr:
U.S. internationals with a goal in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage:
🇺🇸 Tyler Adams (2020 quarters) 🇺🇸 Christian Pulisic (2017 Rd of 16) 🇺🇸 Jermaine Jones (2013 Rd of 16) 🇺🇸 DaMarcus Beasley (2005 Rd of 16)
The 21-year-old native of New York only started 10 games in the Bundesliga season for RB Leipzig because of injuries and the form of others.
He deserves full credit for taking advantage of his opportunity to earn a moment that will live forever in his club's history.
Adams' tally will likely eclipse Clint Dempsey's round-of-16 goal for Fulham against Juventus in the 2010 UEFA Europa League as the most memorable goal from an American abroad.
Losers: Atletico Madrid's Forwards
Atleti's starting forwards failed to make any mark on the contest.
Costa struggled to break down the Upamecano-led defense over 71 minutes and was left isolated up top when his teammates were forced back to defend RB Leipzig's advances.
Marcos Llorente was equally as inefficient, as he made one more touch than Costa and failed to fire a shot at the Leipzig net.
Llorente was on the field for the full 90 minutes, but he took an immediate back seat to Joao Felix after the Portuguese player entered in the 57th minute.
Felix's introduction was the only attacking move that worked for the Spanish outfit. He earned and converted a penalty kick to level the contest.
Even the change Diego Simeone made to improve his forward line failed, as Alvaro Morata's impact was limited after he came on for Costa.
