Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich has expressed confidence that his side can overturn a 5-4 Champions League semi-final first-leg deficit against Paris Saint-Germain next week, despite a controversial penalty decision marring the defeat. Speaking to Prime Video, as reported by FCBinside, Kimmich admitted the loss felt strange but insisted the tie remains alive ahead of the return leg in Munich. The German international highlighted his team's character in fighting back from 5-2 down as a source of belief.
Kimmich was critical of the decision to award PSG a penalty just before half-time, when the ball struck Alphonso Davies's arm, allowing Ousmane Dembélé to score. While stating he had not reviewed the incident, Kimmich suggested the handball rule requires adjustment. "I think the rule could be adjusted so that not every handball in the box is a penalty," he said. The goal proved pivotal in a chaotic match that saw Bayern concede three times in a frantic first-half period.
The 29-year-old praised his team's resilience in the second half, where goals from Leroy Sané and Mathys Tel gave the Bundesliga giants a lifeline. "We showed a very good reaction at least," Kimmich said. "You were standing on the pitch thinking, wow, what is going on here, because we were definitely not three goals worse." That fightback forms the foundation of his optimism for the decisive match at the Allianz Arena, where Bayern must win to progress to the final at Wembley.
Kimmich's leadership and positive public stance will be crucial for a Bayern squad navigating a turbulent season, having already conceded the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen. His experience in big moments, including winning the Champions League in 2020, adds weight to his conviction. "I do believe we can win. The situation is simple. We have to win, and in the end we will do everything to make sure we do," he stated.
The midfielder's comments come amid ongoing speculation about his future at Bayern Munich, with his contract set to expire in 2025 and no extension yet agreed. While this interview focused solely on the immediate European challenge, his long-term situation adds an undercurrent of uncertainty at the club. For now, his focus is squarely on orchestrating a comeback against PSG, a task he approaches with characteristic determination.
