FIRE IN DEMBELE

A 1-1 draw in Germany in the semi-final second leg secured a 6-5 aggregate victory for the French team, who relied on defensive discipline to neutralise the German side despite facing sustained pressure for much of the game.

Paris St Germain have learned how ‌to endure sustained pressure to win, according to midfielder Joao Neves after the holders held off a relentless Bayern Munich on Wednesday to reach the Champions League final again.

PSG will face Arsenal in the final in Budapest on May 30, framing the victory not just as a tactical win, but as a gift to their supporters and a milestone in their quest to build a lasting European legacy.

“We know how to suffer. We’re ready for what’s coming. Even with injuries, all the players are ready to play; that’s how you build a great team,” Neves said.

Desire Doue echoed the sentiments of his teammate. “It was an exceptional match, another magical night in Munich against a ‌great team. We have to congratulate them. These are the kinds of matches we’ve dreamt of playing since we were little,” Doue said.

Club President Nasser Al-Khelaifi welcomed the victory as a continuation of PSG’s development after winning the European Cup for the first time last season.

“We made history here last year, and we want to keep writing the history of PSG. It’s our dream to win it a second time. The star is the team. Everyone wants to fight. That’s football, that’s PSG,” Al-Khelaifi said.

“It’s magnificent. We have the best coach in the world, the best supporters. Tonight, we only heard our supporters. They are the best.”

PSG Manager Luis Enrique praised his players.

Bayern, hoping to reach their first Champions League final since 2020, saw their treble hopes dashed and can now only add the German Cup to their Bundesliga crown this season.

“The character we showed against a team like Bayern is so positive,” said Enrique, who has guided the team to back-to-back Champions League finals.

“We’re so happy to reach a second Champions League final in a row. It was very intense. Very difficult. They play football at the highest level. Both teams are similar, we love to press higher. We are very happy,” he said.

“In two days I’m going to celebrate my (56th) birthday. I’m very happy. We’re in the next phase of the competition, the final of the Champions League. We want to give our supporters that kind of gift.”

Bayern’s top scorer Kane, who had hardly had a look-in, found just enough space to drill in a stoppage-time equaliser, scoring for a seventh consecutive game in the competition.

But his 55th goal across all competitions this season for Bayern came too late as the hosts ran out of time.

“Somehow it felt like we were missing the final punch, that really clear 100 percent chance,” said Bayern defender Konrad Laimer. “In the end, that one goal came a little too late. I think if it comes a bit earlier, then the whole stadium comes alive again.” — Reuters