PSG Stun Bayern Munich in a Club World Cup Classic
Paris Saint-Germain took another massive step toward global glory, defeating Bayern Munich 2–0 in what may go down as one of the greatest matches in FIFA Club World Cup 2025 history.
This was football at its finest — a match so captivating that, by the final whistle, even neutral fans were secretly hoping for a Bayern equaliser to earn another 30 minutes of extra time.
Bayern Dominate Early, But PSG Stay Resilient
German side started brighter, pressing high and dictating the tempo. PSG, however, didn’t fade into the background. Manuel Neuer was called into action multiple times in the first half, denying efforts from Warren Zaïre-Emery (Doué) and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Bayern thought they had the breakthrough in stoppage time when Dayot Upamecano fired home from a set piece — but the flag went up for offside. Moments later, the match took a worrying turn as Gianluigi Donnarumma collided with Jamal Musiala, leaving the German midfielder with what appeared to be a serious injury. The Italian keeper was visibly distraught.
PSG Capitalise on Mistakes — and Make Them Count
In the second half, PSG grew stronger. Neuer, still playing his trademark sweeper-keeper role, came dangerously close to gifting a goal with two risky forays outside the box.
But the decisive moment came from a rare lapse by Harry Kane, who lost the ball in midfield during a promising Bayern counterattack. Achraf Hakimi immediately surged forward on the right, cut the ball back to Doué, whose low strike beat Neuer — likely unsighted by his own defenders — and found the bottom corner.
Late Drama and Red Cards — But PSG Finish the Job
Just when it looked like the Parisians were in control, they went down to 10 men after Willian Pacho saw red for a reckless challenge on Leon Goretzka. Then in stoppage time, disaster struck again — Lucas Hernandez was sent off after elbowing Raphaël Guerreiro right in front of referee Anthony Taylor.
Down to nine men, PSG pulled off the unthinkable. Hakimi, again brilliant on the right flank, danced past multiple defenders and delivered a perfect assist for Ousmane Dembélé, who sealed the win with a clinical finish.
With this win, Paris Saint-Germain — reigning UEFA Champions League winners — advance to the Club World Cup 2025 semi-finals, where they could potentially face Real Madrid in a blockbuster clash.
2025 FIFA Club World Cup
PSG - Bayern 2:0 (0:0)
Goals: Doue D., 78 (1:0); Dembele O., 96 (2:0)
PSG: Donnarumma G.; Marquinhos; Mendes N.; Hakimi; Vitinha F.; Kvaratskhelia (Beraldo L., 83); Neves J. P.; Pacho (till 82); Fabian Ruiz (Zaire-Emery, 80); Doue D. (Lucas Hernandez, 80); Barcola B. (Dembele O., 70)
Bench: Safonov M.; Tenas; Kamara N.; Mayulu; Lee Kang-in; Mbaye; Ramos G.
Yellow Cards: Doue D. 77
Red cards: Pacho 82', Lucas Hernandez 90'
Bayern: Neuer; Stanisic (Boey, 33; Guerreiro, 88); Tah J.; Upamecano; Kimmich; Coman (Muller, 80); Laimer; Olise; Pavlovic Al. (Goretzka, 80); Musiala (Gnabry, 46); Kane
Bench: Peretz Da.; Urbig; Aznou; Kiala; Kim Min-jae; Santos; Bischof T.; Palhinha; Karl; Kusi-Asare
Yellow Cards: Laimer 69
