Bayern Munich interestingly chose a Champions League semi-final to wear their new kit, but the occasion ended in disappointment for the Bavarian giants. Vincent Kompany’s men managed a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena (so it wasn’t a defeat per se on debut with the new shirt), but it wasn’t enough for them to advance to the CL final, with defending champions Paris SG progressing 6-5 on aggregate.
After that 5-4 first leg fixture- a classic that will go down in CL history as one of the competition’s great games, many were expecting a similar tie at the Allianz Arena, but PSG opted for a more defensive setup, and it was a more cagey affair compared to the frantic all-out attack approach we got in the first leg.
Bayern debuted their new home shirt, but their attacking trio, with the exception of Colombian Luis Diaz, struggled to impose themselves on the game. In stark comparison to his opposite number Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who tormented Bayern and set up an early goal for Paris within four minutes, Michael Olise was very quiet on the right wing for Bayern.
Kane eventually did get a goal, but it came in second half stoppage time and far too late to have any impact on the result. It however did ensure that the new kit’s first outing didn’t end in defeat.
Austrian full back Konrad Laimer was decent, but struggled to deal with Kvaratskhelia at times, especially in the first half. Josip Stanisic didn’t find much joy defending on the opposite side as well.
PSG, playing in their Jordan kit, were pretty good value for their win over both legs, although questions will be raised over the ref’s handling of two first-half decisions, which could’ve resulted in a dismissal for Nuno Mendes and a penalty for Bayern, although neither went in the home side’s favour.
The Parisians, with their fluid attack and high press approach, will start favourites in the final against Arsenal as per the current Champions League odds. Mikel Arteta has set the Gunners up to be a strong defensive outfit- they’ve conceded the least goals in this competition so far (only 6 GA in 14 games), and it promises to be an intriguing battle between two contrasting styles.
Like PSG (Nike) who triumphed over Bayern (Adidas), the other semi-final clash between Arsenal and Atletico also featured an Adidas team against a Nike one, but ended differently, with the Adidas outfitted team advancing to the final.
Arsenal, who had drawn 1-1 in the Spanish capital in the first leg, advanced with a 1-0 win in the second leg. The winning goal was scored on the stroke of half time by Bukayo Saka. Atleti were trailing 2-1 in the tie, but a little bit from Griezmann and Alvarez aside, didn’t really trouble the Gunners, and coach Simeone could have no complaints about the right team advancing in the end.
Arsenal are participating in their second CL final after a gap of exactly twenty years. PSG are seeking to repeat their 2025 triumph, & victory here could give the winner a domestic and European double- they’re also favourites to win their respective leagues at the time of writing.
The final will take place at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on the 30th.