PSG and Bayern rewrite Champions League records in epic semi-final

Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich delivered an all-time UEFA Champions League classic as PSG claimed a dramatic 5-4 victory in the first leg of their semi-final at the Parc des Princes.

The nine-goal thriller became the highest-scoring Champions League semi-final in history, while the five goals scored in the first half were also the most ever in the opening 45 minutes of a semi-final or final.

It was just the second knockout-stage match in the competition’s history to see both sides score at least four goals, after Chelsea and Liverpool drew 4-4 in 2008.

PSG have now scored five or more goals in four different Champions League matches this season, matching Liverpool’s 2017-18 record for the most in a single campaign. They also joined Ajax and Liverpool as the only clubs to score five goals in a Champions League semi-final. Meanwhile, both PSG and Bayern have now passed 40 goals in this season’s competition - the first time two clubs have both reached that mark in the same campaign.

For Bayern , it was a damaging night defensively. The German side had not conceded five goals in a European fixture since their 5-2 defeat to Ajax in the 1994-95 semi-final, while the five they shipped in Paris equalled the most they have ever conceded in a Champions League match.

Despite the defeat, Harry Kane still made history. The England captain became only the third English player to score and assist in a Champions League semi-final, after Andy Cole in 1999 and Wayne Rooney in 2011 .

Kane also extended his Champions League scoring run to six consecutive matches, setting a new record for an English player and moving clear of the previous mark he had shared with Steven Gerrard .

There was another personal landmark for Michael Olise , who became the only player across Europe’s top five leagues this season to register 20+ goals and 20+ assists in all competitions.

Although PSG take a one-goal lead into the second leg, Bayern’s four away goals ensure the tie remains finely balanced. After a night that rewrote several Champions League records, the return meeting in Munich now carries even greater intrigue.