Bayern Munich extended their perfect start to the season with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, despite playing with ten men for nearly half the match.
The German champions made it 16 victories in 16 matches across all competitions, with Luis Díaz scoring twice before being sent off for a reckless challenge on Achraf Hakimi just before half-time.
PSG managed to pull one back through substitute João Neves but failed to find an equaliser, suffering their first Champions League defeat since last season’s quarter-final against Aston Villa.
The result keeps Bayern top of the new 36-team Champions League league phase with a maximum 12 points, while PSG sit third, three points adrift. The French side also face new injury concerns, with both Hakimi and Ousmane Dembélé forced off during the first half.
Bayern struck early, with Díaz reacting quickest to fire home from close range in the fourth minute after Michael Olise’s shot was parried by PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. The visitors doubled their lead in the 32nd minute when Serge Gnabry’s effort hit the post and Díaz capitalised on a defensive lapse by Marquinhos to score his second.
However, Díaz’s night ended abruptly after a dangerous tackle on Hakimi earned him a straight red card, leaving Bayern a man down for the entire second half.
PSG dominated possession after the break and were finally rewarded in the 74th minute when Neves produced a superb scissor kick from Lee Kang-in’s cross to reduce the deficit.
Despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, Bayern’s compact defence held firm to seal another impressive win and reinforce their status as early favourites for this season’s title.
