Bayern Munich secured a 2-1 victory over defending champions Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes, extending their perfect start to the season to 16 wins from 16 games across all competitions. The result keeps Bayern top of the 36-team league phase on a maximum 12 points, three points ahead of third-placed PSG, who suffered their first defeat in the competition this season.
Bayern’s start saw Diaz open the scoring in the fourth minute, pouncing after a save from Michael Olise’s effort. Despite PSG's high press, the German side remained a step ahead, and Diaz struck again in the 32nd minute, expertly dispossessing captain Marquinhos and slotting home his second.
However, the Colombian's sensational half ended abruptly when he was dismissed for a lunge on right-back Achraf Hakimi. The Moroccan was forced off in tears with a suspected ankle injury, compounding a bad night for the hosts who had already lost Ousmane Dembélé to a calf injury after just 25 minutes.
Despite playing the entire second half with 10 men, Bayern held firm against the home side's pressure. PSG dominated possession but lacked a cutting edge until substitute João Neves reduced the deficit in the 74th minute with a spectacular scissor kick volley from a Lee Kang-in cross.
Neves nearly levelled minutes later with a header as PSG launched a late flurry, but the German side, led by Manuel Neuer, held on for the important league-phase win. PSG manager Luis Enrique admitted, “At 11 against 11, Bayern were stronger, without a doubt. You play against the best team in Europe, with the best results, and they pressed us at a high level.”
Bayern's success, which extends their record for the most consecutive wins at the start of a season across Europe's top five leagues, is commendable. Manager Vincent Kompany's side forced multiple errors deep in the PSG half, directly leading to both of Diaz's goals. The German champions were praised for bringing back a press, reminiscent of their past.
The major concern for PSG moving forward is the severity of the injuries to Hakimi and Dembélé, both crucial players for the club. Hakimi's suspected ankle injury is particularly worrying with the AFCON tournament scheduled soon. For Bayern, the victory solidifies their position as early favorites, having already won the German Super Cup and sitting five points clear atop the Bundesliga.
