PSG vs Bayern Munich — A Modern-Day Rivalry
Born to Guadeloupean parents in Paris, Kingsley Coman joined Paris Saint-Germain’s youth academy in 2004. After 9 years of training and development, he made his senior debut for the club at just 17. Fast forward to 2020, Coman had the greatest moment of his professional career when he scored the winning header in the UEFA Champions League final. PSG, however, happened to be at the opposing end this time. And the team celebrating was Bayern Munich.
This moment marked the pinnacle of what can be considered a modern-day rivalry between Bayern and PSG. Two of the biggest brands in European football, putting them on the field together is a sure-shot way to grab eyeballs. But there’s more to it than just spotlight and star power. What makes it such a fascinating contest is their contrasting philosophy, approach and perception.
Different but similar
Coman’s winning goal carried a sense of irony. To win the Champions League, the French club spent record amounts to buy players like Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, only to get beaten by a former club talent. But this has been the club’s story for a while.
The Qatari takeover in 2011 aimed to convert PSG into a global brand. And nothing screams global like winning the Champions League. The coveted trophy has become an obsession for the Parisian board. To achieve this dream, the club has tried to attract the biggest superstars with its endless supply of oil money. After all these years, though, it remains a pipedream.
Bayern, in principle, represents everything the French club aspires to be. A footballing powerhouse adored by millions of fans globally, with multiple Champions Leagues in their backroom. But the Bavarians like to think of themselves as different. In a world of American and Gulf takeovers, the club prides itself on being a fan-owned entity. Local culture and traditions are given the utmost value. And most importantly, the team always comes first.
But are these two so different? The sheer dominance they maintain domestically makes it incomprehensive to even think of a different team winning. Bayern is often criticized for poaching talents from their league rivals, thereby reducing the level of competition. But PSG also signed Mbappe and Christophe Galtier (as manager) the season after they won the league with Monaco and Lille respectively. Furthermore, lack of domestic competition is often cited as a reason for their losses against English and Spanish opponents in Europe.
We also see the lines getting blurred when it comes to team building. As much as Bayern discerns individualism, it did end up spending 100 million to sign a marquee striker in Harry Kane. At the same time, the current PSG manager Luis Enrique has emphasized a shift from the superstar era. The team now consists of talented youngsters who fit his style of gameplay.
Early Skirmishes — 90s and 00s
The 1994–95 UEFA Champions League season started on a special note for PSG. The French side had a perfect league stage, winning six in six. Two of these victories came against the German champions Bayern Munich with the aggregate score being 3–0. Liberian striker George Weah scored for Paris across both legs, including a sensational solo effort that saw him beat three opponents before hitting past Oliver Kahn in goal. Weah would finish that season’s Champions League top scorer and win the 1995 Ballon d’Or. As for the clubs, both PSG and Bayern ended up bowing out in the semi-finals.
The teams met again in the 1997–98 season group stage. Multiple errors on the part of PSG goalkeeper Christophe Revault helped Bayern gain a thumping 5–1 victory over the first leg. The Parisians did make a strong comeback, winning 3–1 at Parc des Princes. But the victory margin wasn’t enough to bridge the gap between the two teams. Level on points at the end, Bayern progressed at the expense of PSG on superior goal difference.
The 2000–01 season saw Bayern become champions of Europe after 25 years. While the Bavarians would go on to beat heavyweights like Manchester United and Real Madrid, their biggest challenge initially came at the hands of PSG. In the first group stage, PSG hosted Bayern in a long-drawn game of football that saw neither team make the most of their chances. It took substitute Jérôme Leroy’s injury-time goal to win PSG the contest. Bayern gave a sharp reply in the return leg, with Hasan Salihamidžić pouncing on a rebound in under three minutes. PSG managed to keep the deficit narrow until Paulo Sérgio’s goal decided the game in Bayern’s favour.
Both sides would hit a slump over the coming decade. While Bayern continued to do well domestically, they wouldn’t make a long run in the Champions League again until 2010. In Paris, however, things had hit crisis mode. Mismanagement, both on and off the field, saw PSG face severe financial losses and come close to relegation in 2007 and 2008. But the new decade saw their fortunes turn around, and in some manner.
Post Takeover — 10s and 20s
The 2011 takeover immediately launched PSG into the big leagues. They had now become Champions League regulars. By the time they faced Bayern Munich again in 2017, PSG’s forward line boasted of Neymar, Mbappe and Edinson Cavani.
The trio combined brilliantly against the Germans in Paris as Bayern’s defence fell short of answers. With the attackers failing to convert at the other end, the final score read 3–0 in favour of PSG. Bayern sacked their manager Carlos Ancelotti the very next day, soon to be replaced by an old faithful in Jupp Heynckes. With a point to prove in the return leg, Lewandowski gave the Bavarians an early lead. A further brace by Corentin Tolisso meant that Bayern had now returned the favour. The game ended 3–1 with Mbappe scoring a consolation goal for PSG. In the knockout stages, both teams would lose to eventual winners Real Madrid.
In 2020 came the big night. Bayern Munich vs Paris Saint-Germain for the Champions League final. For the Germans, it could mean the culmination of a scintillating run under Hansi Flick that saw them thrash teams like Tottenham, Chelsea and Barcelona. For PSG, it could mean the chance to engrave their names in history books.
Bayern, usually the aggressor, started on the backfoot as PSG contributed the early fireworks. Angel Di Maria, especially, was causing fullback Alphonso Davies a lot of trouble. But the Germans slowly found their way back into the game. In the 59th minute, Kimmich’s cross was met by a pinpoint header from Coman and Bayern went 1–0 up. What followed was a masterclass in game management by Thiago that ensured Bayern won its sixth Champions League title. On the other side of the pitch, a teary-eyed Neymar came to terms with never becoming the best in the world. All of Paris were distraught and looking for revenue. And destiny didn’t make them wait for long.
Sextuple-winners Bayern continued their fine run of form in the next season. That was until they met PSG again in the quarter-final. In the absence of Lewandowski, Bayern could not outscore the Parisians and suffered a shock 3–2 defeat at home. Mbappe’s pace had left them in a frenzy. Despite a bold outing in Paris, the Germans could only muster up a single goal. The aggregate read 3–3 with PSG progressing on the away goals rule. With this, revenge had been served.
The most recent battle between these behemoths took place in the round of 16 of the 2022–23 season. With PSG having swayed Lionel Messi, the contest was once again between a star team and a team of stars. The French leg ended with a narrow 1–0 lead to Bayern (Coman being the scorer again). In Munich, PSG could have very well equalized had it not been for a brilliant goal-line clearance by Matthijs de Ligt. Second-half goals by Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Serge Gnabry killed the game for PSG.
Final Thoughts
After PSG won the 2020–21 quarter-final, the moment where Neymar celebrated aggressively (with Leandro Parades) right in the face of Joshua Kimmich became iconic. In a sense, these two are highly symbolic of the clubs that they were representing.
Neymar was (and still is) one of the biggest names in the game. His electric style of play makes him an absolute delight to watch. But at the same time, there have been questions surrounding his fitness, conduct and motivation. And he, more than anyone else, epitomizes PSG’s obsession with spending big on superstars.
Kimmich’s game might not be as exhilarating, but his technical abilities and football IQ are up there with the best. Despite playing in unfacy positions, he has managed to prove his worth as one of the most important players in the team. Combined with a high work rate, Kimmich’s aggressive display makes him a fan favourite.
The two sides meet again this time under the new Champions League format. With 2 losses already, the game is a must-win for both Bayern and PSG if they wish to finish in the top 8 and confirm a round-of-16 spot. Bayern will have the added advantage of playing in their own backyard. But either side has shown enough defensive fragilities to be considered favourites. All we know is that these two have never played a draw in the past and the same can be expected going forward.
