PSG faces Bayern in Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain host Bayern Munich on Tuesday, April 28, in the first leg of a Champions League semifinal at Parc des Princes. (uefa.com) The winner over two legs will advance to the final, with the return leg scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, after the other semifinal begins on April 29. (uefa.com) PSG reached the last four by beating Liverpool 4-0 on aggregate in the quarterfinals, while Bayern got through a 6-4 aggregate series against Real Madrid. (uefa.com) Luis Enrique said selection felt like a “lottery” because PSG finally have almost every senior player available, including Vitinha after a heel problem. (wtop.com) Bayern arrive with a different edge: Vincent Kompany’s side had not lost in any competition since Jan. 24 and had scored 19 goals in its previous five matches entering the tie. (wtop.com) The matchup pairs two of the competition’s most productive attacks. ESPN’s preview said Bayern had scored 167 goals in 49 matches in all competitions this season, and PSG had scored 125 in 49. (espn.com) They have also been the Champions League’s joint top scorers this season, with 38 goals each before the semifinal first leg. (espn.com) There is recent history here, and it favors Bayern. The German club won 2-1 in Paris in the league phase in November and, according to ESPN’s preview, had beaten PSG in the last five meetings. (espn.com) Luis Enrique said defense would decide a tie between two teams known for attacking, calling Bayern slightly ahead of PSG for consistency. (wtop.com) Tuesday’s first leg is the latest chapter in a matchup that also includes Bayern’s 1-0 win over PSG in the 2020 Champions League final. (uefa.com)