The atmosphere at the Parc des Princes was electric as Paris Saint Germain welcomed Bayern Munich for the first leg of their Champions League semi fin...
The atmosphere at the Parc des Princes was electric as Paris Saint Germain welcomed Bayern Munich for the first leg of their Champions League semi final clash. From the very first whistle, it was clear that the visitors from Bavaria had not come to merely admire the city of lights. They came to give a good account of themselves against the formidable Ligue 1 champions. In just the second minute of play, the Nigerian contingent watching closely from Lagos to Abuja would have been on their feet. Bayern. �s Josip Stanišić, deploying a long throw down the right flank, found Jamal Musiala. The young German international gathered the ball just inside the PSG box before showing quick feet to return possession to his full back. Stanišić. �s subsequent cross was met with a strong, clean header from PSG. �s Pacho, who cleared the danger with the precision of a stalwart defender. It was a positive start by the visitors, a statement of intent that suggested they would not be bullied on this grand stage. As the third minute arrived, Michael Olise attempted to advance down the left flank for Bayern, hoping to create an early opening. However, the diminutive but tenacious Warren Zaïre Emery was all over him in a flash. It was a high octane start to the tie, with neither side willing to cede an inch of the hallowed pitch. Bayern, however, were seeing more of the ball in these early exchanges, dictating the tempo and forcing the Parisian side to chase shadows. The lion. �s share of possession in the opening stages belonged to the German machine, and they were using it to probe for weaknesses in the PSG armour. In the scheme of things, this first leg is a chess match of the highest order. At the end of the day, the powers that be at GoalZaza note that the result of this tie will come down to which team can maintain their composure in the second leg. For now, Bayern Munich have given a good account of themselves on enemy territory. The Nigerian Super Eagles fans watching at viewing centres in Surulere and Wuse 2 would be nodding in approval at the tactical discipline displayed by the men in red. The air in those centres is thick with the scent of suya and the tension of a million prayers. Every clearance from the PSG defence draws a collective groan, while every Bayern pass forward sends a ripple of hope through the crowd. They know the job is only half done, but for now, this is a result to savour.
