The Vagaries of Sport
Sport can be ruthless at times. Joy for one undoubtedly is heartbreaking for the other. History embraces one and shuns the other. The margins are tiny, but the outcomes are massive. People say it is just a sport, but the reality is far from it.
A Spectacular Allianz Arena in Munich
The Allianz Arena in Munich was a sight to behold. Dressed in red, it was nothing short of spectacular as PSG, the defending Champions of Europe, met the challengers Bayern Munich in the 2nd and decisive leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal last night.
Bayern Were Favourites Against PSG At Home
With PSG leading 5-4 after a historic contest in Paris a week ago, it was anybody’s game. Bayern were well into it and for many were the favourites to go past PSG despite the one-goal deficit. But PSG had other ideas.
Incredible From Kavartskhelia & Dembele
The Parisians are a terrific team anywhere on the earth, and they showed why they are Champions. In the 3rd minute, the brilliant Kvaratskhelia, with his exceptional pace and control, ran almost half the pitch to the left and made a perfect centre to a waiting Ousmane Dembele. The Frenchman and the Ballon d’Or winner netted the ball home with an incredible piece of finish, with skill and composure written all over it.
PSG Draw First Blood
The strike stunned Bayern and shook the fans. PSG had drawn first blood and led 6-4 on aggregate. Bayern had to score a minimum of three goals now to reach the Champions League final. It was going to be a mighty task. PSG had seized the initiative through a brilliant piece of play.
Bayern On the Wrong Side of Fortune
Bayern gave it everything, but luck was not on their side. The refereeing too was not of the best standards. The Bavarians were denied twice for handball, in a glaring miss from the referee, to the utter surprise of everyone in the stadium. PSG had been reprieved, so to speak, but continued to hang on to the lead.
Neuer & Safonov and Sensational Goalkeeping
In the second half, both teams continued to strike at one another, but Safonov for PSG and Manuel Neuer for Bayern held their goals like impermeable shields. PSG’s brilliant midfield and tight defence held Bayern at bay. The defending Champions put their bodies on the line to deny Bayern any chance of coming back into the match.
Harry Kane Scores, But PSG Go Through To Budapest
With just minutes remaining until the final whistle, Harry Kane scored a lovely goal, but it was too little too late. The match ended shortly with PSG players breaking into a celebratory dance as the defending champions had reached their second consecutive final of the Champions League and had earned their trip to Budapest for the final against Arsenal. An incredible achievement indeed.
A Missed Opportunity For Bayern & Harry Kane
Bayern were dejected to say the least. The all-conquering Bavarian horde had met its match. But they had gone down fighting, which was heartening to see. It was a tough battle, and destiny was not on their side. Sadly, Harry Kane who has been sensational for all these years, will miss another opportunity for the Ballon d’Or, which in my opinion he richly deserves.
Kudos To Vincent Kompany & Luis Enrique
A word for the two finest Managers in the world at the moment. Vincent Kompany for Bayern and Luis Enrique for PSG. Both of them have been outstanding in developing two unbelievable sides of football. Kudos!!.
It is over to Budapest now.
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