Bayern Munich board member Max Eberl struck an optimistic tone despite his side's 5-4 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday. Speaking to Sky Germany after the thrilling encounter at the Parc des Princes, Eberl praised the spectacle and backed his team to turn the tie around in next week's return leg in Munich.
Eberl described the match as a magnificent spectacle, a sentiment likely shared by neutrals after a game featuring nine goals. "That was a magnificent match. I have rarely experienced a game at this level," Eberl said. The result leaves Bayern with a narrow deficit to overturn, having scored four crucial away goals, though the away goals rule no longer applies in the competition.
The Bayern official expressed particular pride in his team's character after they found themselves 5-2 down in the second half. Eberl noted that PSG's celebrations at that juncture seemed premature. "Credit to our team. After the 5–2, the PSG players celebrated as if they were already in the Budapest final. We came back, and now everything is open in the second leg," he stated. Late goals from Bayern ensured the tie remains finely balanced.
Looking ahead to the decisive second leg at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday, Eberl invoked the power of Bayern's home stadium. "The Allianz Arena is a fortress," he stressed, implying confidence that the home support can propel the German champions to the final in Budapest. Bayern's recent home form in the Champions League has been strong, providing a solid foundation for their belief.
The context of Bayern's season adds significance to this result. Having already conceded the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen, the Champions League represents their only remaining chance for major silverware this campaign. The performance in Paris, especially the resilient fightback, will be seen as a positive sign after a domestically disappointing season.
For Paris Saint-Germain, the four goals conceded will be a concern despite securing a first-leg victory. The French champions, seeking their first Champions League title, know their work is only half done ahead of a difficult trip to Germany. The stage is now set for a high-stakes conclusion in Munich, with a place in the final against either Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund on the line.
