Dembélé ends Bayern hopes to send PSG into final showdown with Arsenal

It cannot always be a laugh a minute. This rematch between elite football’s two genuinely enthralling propositions did not veer as wildly as the previous week’s rollercoaster and, in truth, was probably never going to. What it did provide was more proof of Paris Saint-Germain’s all-round brilliance, manifested in an ability to put business and pleasure on equal pegging. They held a largely off-key Bayern Munich at arm’s length for most of the night, only allowing Harry Kane a few seconds to pursue his dream Champions League final when he hammered in near the end. PSG are the ones who will meet Arsenal and the task facing Mikel Arteta was laid bare here.

Anyone looking to dethrone the reigning champions needs to have it all. The joy of PSG’s performance here was that, although it was founded on a resilience they have a habit of showing on these occasions, they never stopped searching for more. While Bayern prodded and scratched, the night’s real miracle was that Désiré Doué did not crown an unplayable second-half performance with a goal. As the minutes ticked down Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was one solid connection away from a solo strike for the ages and it was a reminder that, even when it is time to get serious, PSG will find ways to put on a show. Continue reading...