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      PSG’s 16-year-old prodigy Warren Zaire-Emery compared to Man Utd and England legend due to incredible trait

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN prodigy Warren Zaire-Emery became the youngest ever player to start a Champions League knockout game on Tuesday.He is just 16-years-old, but has already been compared to a Manchester United legend.
      Warren-Zaire Emery in action for PSG against MonacoCredit: Rex
      Joe Cole praised Zaire-Emery (right) for his physicality, specifically the “size of his thighs”Credit: Getty
      Zaire-Emery became the youngest ever player to start a Champions League knockout game on TuesdayCredit: Getty
      The PSG star has been compared to a young Wayne RooneyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The teenager has only played a handful of games for PSG, but was given the nod against Bayern Munich on the biggest stage.
      And BT Sport pundit Joe Cole likened Zaire-Emery to Old Trafford and England legend Wayne Rooney due to an incredible trait.
      Cole said the youngster’s physicality, specifically the “size of his thighs”, reminded him of a young Rooney.
      The ex-Chelsea winger said on France U17 star Zaire-Emery: “He’s an incredible talent.
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      “Physically he reminds me of Wayne Rooney, the size of his thighs at just 16.
      “He’s a man already. We were talking about his mindset. Usually, when you score your first goal, you lost your mind completely, but he just strolls away, cool as you like. 
      “His manager, Galtier, has said he’s not far off the level of his front three (Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe).”
      Zaire-Emery’s appearance against Bayern was just his fourth start for PSG.
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      He has played 15 times in total for the club, but has already made quite the impression among his team-mates.
      PSG midfielder Vitinha reportedly brandished Zaire-Emery an “alien” for his out of this world ability at such a young age.
      Vitinha is said to have told agent Jorge Mendes: “Who is this kid you took in your group? He’s an alien.”
      Zaire-Emery does not turn 17 until next month.
      But as Lionel Messi and Neymar both push on into their thirties, the future looks bright for PSG. More

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      Tottenham’s Champions League woes grow as key man is BANNED from AC Milan second-leg after 1-0 defeat

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      TOTTENHAM’S Champions League woes have gotten worse after key man Eric Dier was banned for their next game. Antonio Conte’s side were on the end of a 1-0 defeat at the San Siro against AC Milan.
      Eric Dier has been suspended for their next matchCredit: Getty
      Antonio Conte’s side suffered a 1-0 defeat against AC MilanCredit: Getty
      And now an already desperate situation has been exacerbated after Dier was suspended for the second leg.
      Dier picked up a booking for a foul on ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star Olivier Giroud.
      In the 63rd minute the defender got touch tight to Giroud, who wriggled away with the ball before Dier dragged him down to the ground as he tried to keep hold of him.
      The act left Swiss ref Sandro Schaerer with no choice but to brandish a yellow card.
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      Spurs have endured patchy league form in recent weeks and had hoped the Champions League against an out-of-form Milan side would provide some respite.
      But Brahim Diaz put paid to that as he netted inside seven minutes after some superb work from left-back Theo Hernandez.
      Fraser Forster had produced a stunning double save to keep the Italians at bay, but needed more help from his defence as Diaz leapt highest to win a header at point-blank range.
      It would also prove to be the game’s only goal, with Harry Kane denied by the bar and Milan also stopped from adding anymore.
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      The week has gone from bad to worse with midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering an ACL tear.
      Next up, Spurs face the not so pleasant test of a London derby against West Ham on Sunday. More

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      Peter Schmeichel reveals which Champions League club were on verge of signing son Kasper live on TV

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      PETER SCHMEICHEL has claimed that his son, Kasper, was on the verge of joining Bayern Munich.The Manchester United legend revealed the information during an appearance on live television.
      Kasper Schmeichel almost left Nice in JanuaryCredit: Reuters
      His father Peter Schmeichel revealed he was in talks with Bayern MunichCredit: .
      Speaking ahead of Bayern’s Champions League clash against PSG, Peter told CBS Sports Golazo: “It could have been my son [playing against PSG].
      “On they very same day that they signed [Yann] Sommer they were also in talks with my son.”
      Bayern were in the market for a new goalkeeper in the January transfer window following an injury to Manuel Neuer.
      It seems as though their options were dwindled down to two, Yann Sommer and Kasper Schmeichel.
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      In the end, the Bundesliga giants opted for the Borussia Mönchengladbach stopper over the former Leicester City star.
      This meant that Schmeichel will see out the season with Ligue 1 side Nice, along with other former Premier League stars such as Ross Barkley and Aaron Ramsey.
      While Sommer played his part in Bayern’s 1-0 victory over PSG at the Parc des Princes.
      After a poor start in France, Nice and Schmeichel have surged back up the Ligue 1 table, with five wins in their last six league games.
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      During this run, the 36-year-old has only conceded two goals.
      Schmeichel only joined the French side last summer after he left Leicester City following the expiry of his contract. More

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      PSG 0 Bayern Munich 1: Messi and Co on verge of Champions League KO as Mbappe goal is ruled out in agonising VAR

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      KINGSLEY COMAN haunted Paris Saint-German for the second time in three years as Bayern Munich moved a step closer to the Champions League quarter-finals.It was the French forward, 26, who scoring the winning goal between these two teams to settle the infamous behind-closed-doors 2020 Final.
      Kingsley Coman’s weak volley made the difference between Bayern Munich and PSGCredit: Reuters
      But Coman did not celebrate owing to his former time at PSGCredit: AFP
      Kylian Mbappe thought he had scored a late equaliserCredit: Getty
      But Nuno Mendes’ knee was revealed to be offside
      And the Paris-born star was the difference tonight in this Last 16 first-leg tie – even though he refused to celebrate out of respect for his former club.
      It was a frustrating night for PSG mega-stars Lionel Messi, Neymar and injury-hit Kylian Mbappe – the most expensive attacking line-up ever assembled in club football – as their hopes of progressing lie in the balance.
      PSG have lost at this stage of the tournament four times in the previous six seasons.
      And if they forget their shooting boots for the trip to Bavaria on Wednesday March 8 they will exit early once again.
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      This tie took place the day after Uefa criticised heavy-handed Parisian coppers for their ‘defective’ handling of the 2022 Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid.
      French police were blamed for losing control outside the Stade de France last May and unnecessarily pepper-spraying innocent ticket-carrying Liverpool fans who had been denied entry.
      So, images of riot officers charging Bayern supporters pre-match at the Parc des Princes was not something the governing body would have wanted to witness.
      In the build-up, the Ligue 1 side had suffered two consecutive defeats and there had been an explosive dressing-room bust-up last Saturday between Neymar and a senior club official.
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      Head coach Christophe Galtier’s tenure in the French capital depends on European glory and his initial tactical decision that PSG should sit back, soak up the Bayern pressure and hit on the counter-attack was not liked by the crowd.
      Boos from the home fans began as early as the sixth minute as the German champions bossed possession.
      Yet from an attacking perspective, it was a first half devoid any real quality and neither goalkeeper was put in an uncomfortable position.
      The closest the visitors came was in the 43rd minute when a driven attempt by Bayern captain Joshua Kimmich was saved well by PSG’s No.99 Gianluigi Donnarumma.
      PSG centre-half Sergio Ramos was brilliant in the first half but like the rest of the home defence he went missing when substitute Alphonso Davies floated over a cross on 53 minutes.
      On his 50th appearance at this level, Coman provided a superb first-time finish with the inside of his right foot which squirmed underneath Donnarumma.
      Within the space of three minutes, Italian stopper Donnarumma kept the score down with two fine saves to deny Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting – the second of which he tipped on to the woodwork – as well as an exceptional reaction to stop a Benjamin Pavard header.
      Mbappe, who had been touch-and-go with a hamstring complaint, came off the bench shortly after that sucker punch and his presence lifted the entire mood of the place and added a tremendous spark.
      But the equaliser never came even though he forced one close-range save from Bayern goalkeeper Yann Sommer and had TWO GOALS correctly disallowed for offside.
      It was a memorable night for midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery, who at the age of 16 years and 343 days became the youngest starter ever in a Champions League knockout game.
      The English officiating team in Paris – led by the ever-reliable Premier League referee Michael Oliver – had a fairly quiet evening until stoppage time.
      Read More on The Sun
      Bayern defender Benjamin Pavard was sent off for a second yellow card when he brought down Messi fractions outside the penalty area.
      But the fact Uefa gave VAR responsibilities to a Polish ref, not an English one, speaks volumes for the respect they have for the Prem’s top video guys… More

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      AC Milan 1 Tottenham 0: Spurs suffer crushing blow to Champions League dream but LUCKY not to lose by more

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      THIS was certainly no collapse under pressure.But Antonio Conte will know a narrow defeat in the San Siro cauldron leaves his patched-up side feeling the heat when Milan come to North London next month.
      Tottenham suffered a 1-0 defeat to AC Milan on TuesdayCredit: Getty
      Brahim Diaz netted the only goal in the first leg of the last-16 tieCredit: Getty
      The Italian had spoken before the game of his players’ capacity to wilt when it really matters – “to collapse under pressure”, as he put it – when explaining Tottenham’s topsy-turvy season.
      It was a big fear going into this last-16 clash as Spurs were without their first-choice goalkeeper and forced to play two rookies in midfield due to injury and suspension.
      Things looked ominous when former Manchester City kid Brahim Diaz opened the scoring with only seven minutes on the clock.
      Yet Spurs rallied, with Oliver Skipp, 22, and Pape Matar Sarr, 20, performing admirably in the centre of the park despite having just seven starts between them this season.
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      The young pair had to be called upon with Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma both long-term absentees, while Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was banned.
      There were some rocky moments late on as Milan wasted two golden opportunities.
      But going into half-time in this tie more than a goal down would have been harsh on balance, even if Spurs created little.
      Conte had revealed in the build-up that he had defied doctor advice to rest for 15 days after gallbladder surgery so he could be back with his team.
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      That time period would have elapsed until Wednesday, but the stubborn Italian already came back for the 4-1 mauling to Leicester on Saturday.
      He faced the media for the first time on the eve of this game, looking a bit pale and moving gingerly, talking of his side’s own fragility when under the cosh.
      Tottenham have made some unforgettable memories from this glorious, antiquated stadium.
      Gareth Bale announced himself on the world stage here with that Maicon-shaming, rip-roaring hat-trick against Inter Milan in October 2010.
      Four months later, Peter Crouch fired home a late winner against AC Milan, also at the last-16 stage, in a fiery encounter famous for Gennaro Gattuso squaring up to Joe Jordan.
      That was 12 years ago tomorrow when the Rossoneri fielded a team that included Thiago Silva, Alessandro Nesta, Robinho and a 29-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
      Some calamitous defending saw Milan take a 7th minute leadCredit: Getty
      Diaz bundled over the line as hapless Spurs watched onCredit: Getty
      Milan may have lifted the Serie A title last season under Stefano Pioli but it is safe to say their team, on paper at least, is not a patch on that one from 2011.
      Deafening boos rang out as Conte’s name was read over the loudspeaker ahead of kick-off because of his history in charge of arch-rivals Inter.
      Portuguese striker Rafael Leao was always likely to be one of Milan’s biggest threats, and Spurs targeted him early with hefty challenges from Emerson Royal and Dejan Kulusevski.
      But with just seven minutes on the clock, the visitors fell behind with World Cup winner Cristian Romero at fault.
      The Argentine, usually so tough in the tackle, failed to win a 50-50 on the right-hand side of the box with Theo Hernandez, allowing the Frenchman to crash a shot across goal.
      Fraser Forster, deputising for the injured Hugo Lloris, made a decent stop but his parry went straight to Diaz.
      Spurs face an uphill battle to overturn the score in the next legCredit: Rex
      It was an unhappy return to the San Siro for ex-Inter boss Antonio ConteCredit: Getty
      The Real Madrid loanee’s initial effort was pushed up into the air by Forster, but Diaz followed up by heading it over the line to send the Curva Sud Stand potty.
      After that, it was a fairly scrappy first period, punctuated with stoppages for various players to receive treatment.
      Two of those were Simon Kjaer and Harry Kane, who had a bit of a running battle throughout the first 45.
      Kjaer was sent sprawling when taken out by Kane in mid-air, but got him back by catching the England man with an elbow and then a late challenge on his ankle.
      Sarr and Skipp certainly did not look overawed in midfield and recycled the ball tidily. 
      At one point Senegalese youngster Sarr, making his Champions League debut, stole the ball brilliantly to set up Royal for a long-ranger fired down keeper Ciprian Tatarusanu’s throat.
      Tottenham will have to pick themselves up after another defeatCredit: Getty
      Cristian Romero is on thin ice after another yellow cardCredit: AFP
      But neither team looked in great nick, which was unsurprising given their patchy form.
      Spurs’ Jekyll-and-Hyde nature has frustrated Conte and fans no end – but Milan had not won in seven games before the weekend’s narrow victory over Torino.
      Romero picked up his customary yellow card by sending Sandro Tonali flying with a rash tackle at the start of the second half.
      While Milan missed two gilt-edged chances within a minute of each other late on.
      Both were headers, the first coming from sub Charles De Ketelaere as he somehow planted Olivier Giroud’s nodded pass wide.
      Then centre-back Malick Thiaw somehow planted the ball the wrong side of the post from close range.
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      It was hardly a result to crow about. 
      But given how things have conspired against Spurs of late – coupled with the up-and-down form anyway – it was certainly not a disaster as his makeshift midfield stood tall to the end. More

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      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang trains with Chelsea stars for Dortmund clash despite being axed from Champions League squad

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      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG has been training with his Chelsea team-mates despite being axed from their Champions League squad.Chelsea travel to play Borussia Dortmund tomorrow night in the last 16 stage.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang training for ChelseaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Chelsea travel to play Borussia Dortmund tomorrow night in the last 16Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      But Aubameyang was among those left out from Graham Potter’s 25-man European squad.
      Despite the omission, the striker – signed for £10million from Barcelona in the summer – still trained with the side at a misty training ground.
      Aubameyang, 33, was brought in by Thomas Tuchel following their spell together at Dortmund.
      But just days later Tuchel was sacked by American owner Todd Boehly with Potter brought in as his replacement.
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      As a result Aubameyang – who has just three goals in 18 games this season – has struggled for form.
      He was left out entirely against Fulham at Stamford Bridge this month and was pictured in Milan.
      Potter said: “It was my decision and it was tough decision, but sometime you have to make those calls.
      “Someone had to miss out. He’s done nothing wrong at all. I’m empathetic. I understand his disappointment.
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      “He reacted in the right way. He trained very well today.”
      Asked if Aubameyang had permission to fly to Milan, Potter added: “He’s got the weekend off. It’s a free world.”
      The ex-Arsenal captain has also been linked with a loan move to the MLS’s LAFC although the player has not agreed to the deal.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been linked with a move awayCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The striker was signed from BarcelonaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is linked with an MLS moveCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      PSG’s 16-year-old prodigy Warren Zaire-Emery – dubbed an ‘ALIEN’ – makes Champions League history against Bayern Munich

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      PSG have named the youngest player to ever start in a knockout Champions League game. Winger Warren Zaire-Emery – born in 2006 – is just 16 and 343 days old, breaking the record.
      Warren Zaire-Emery is the youngest player to ever start in a knockout Champions League gameCredit: Reuters
      He has made 15 senior appearances this season with three goals, which has seen him likened to an ALIEN.
      Team-mate Vitinha reportedly told agent Jorge Mendes: “Who is this kid you took in your stable? It’s an alien.”
      Zaire-Emery starts in the French capital against Bayern Munich, in his biggest game to date.
      The forward is so young, Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos both made their Champions League debuts before he was born.
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      Fans were left in disbelief at Zaire-Emery and feeling rather old in the process.
      One said: “I have clothes older than him!”
      Another joked: “I’m feeling old!”
      One added: “2006, I feel ill.”
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      Another said: “My TV and this kid are the same age.”
      Manager Christophe Galtier has deployed Zaire-Emery on the right wing with Messi and Neymar up front.
      It leave French superstar Kylian Mbappe reduced to the bench.
      Warren Zaire-Emery warming up for PSGCredit: Getty More

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      PSG 0 Bayern Munich 1 LIVE RESULT: Coman volley wins tame Champions League clash to leave Messi and Co on verge of KO

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      KINGSLEY COMAN scored the only goal of the game as Bayern Munich beat PSG 1-0 in their Champions League last-16 first leg.PSG will have it all to do in Munich as Kylian Mbappe goes in search of his first ever Champions League win.

      Start time: 8pm BST
      TV/Live stream: BT Sport 2
      PSG XI: Hakimi, Marquinhos, Ramos, Nuno Mendes; Zaïre-Emery, Verratti, Danilo Pereira; Soler; Messi, Neymar
      Bayern Munich XI: Sommer; Cancelo, Upamecano, de Ligt, Pavard; Kimmich, Goretzka; Sané, Musiala, Coman; Choupo-Moting

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      Tough night at the office
      Lionel Messi will feel he could have done more to help his PSG side this evening against Bayern.
      Despite having a lot of touches in the game, he failed to link play up or create much in the way of chances.
      It wasn’t until Kylian Mbappe came on that the French side looked to have options to cause problems for Julian Nagelsmann’s side.

      Kingsley comes back to haunt PSG
      Bayern’s Kingsley Coman was the player who was to grab the goal that was the difference between the two sides.
      He put in a stellar performance, embarrassing Donnarumma with the goal that won the game.

      Die Bayern punish lacklustre PSG
      For the majority of the game, Bayern controlled the game as PSG struggled to string more than three passes together.
      They deserved their goal and win but almost paid the price for not putting the game to bed.
      They have Sommer to thank in their goal along with Pavard for tonight’s victory.
      The French defender made a number of vital blocks before being sent-off after receiving a second yellow card late on.
      FT: PSG 0-1 Bayern
      Despite finally waking up in the final twenty minutes of the game, PSG could not find a way back into the game.
      Kylian Mbappe thought he had done just that but VAR was to chalk the goal off as Mendes is shown to be offside.
      Kingsley Coman is the difference between the sides with the only goal of the game.

      FT: PSG 0-1 Bayern
      The referee brings the game to a close.
      It is a great result for the travelling German fans who are in full voice.
      They finish the game with ten men but take a one-goal lead with them back to Munich.
      PSG 0-1 Bayern
      90+2. Pavard is shown a second yellow card for a lunging challenge.
      He narrowly missed the ball.
      The French fans cheer his dismissal.
      Credit: AP
      Red card – Benjamin Pavard (Bayern)
      PSG 0-1 Bayern
      90. Sane comes off for Stanisic.
      That’s the first time I’ve seen Sane tonight.
      Another anonymous performance from the ex-Man City man.
      Four additional minutes are to be added.
      PSG 0-1 Bayern
      88. Bayern are looking to shut up shop now.
      They have been rattled a few times by the hosts in the last few minutes.
      Julian Nagelsmann knows the importance of this victory and wants to hold on to what they have now.
      PSG 0-1 Bayern
      86. PSG are ramping up the pressure.
      This time the ball breaks to Vitinho who hits the ball on the half volley but Sommer saves.
      Neymar is booked for a foul on Kimmich.
      PSG 0-1 Bayern
      84. That was a big let off for the Germans.
      PSG are causing all sorts of problems with Mendes.
      His cross finds Messi in the box with his shot looking like a sure goal.
      Pavard gets a block with the ball ricocheting over the bar.
      Credit: EPA
      PSG 0-1 Bayern
      82. Nuno Mendes was marginally offside when the ball was played to him on the left.
      He did so well down the left, crossing for the run of Mbappe who could not miss.
      However, VAR was to wipe the smile off his face.
      VAR is checking the goal
      Goal – Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
      PSG 0-1 Bayern
      80. PSG have started to look a little livelier in the last 15 minutes or so.
      Mendes finds a way through on the left and drives a cross into the box.
      The ever reliable Pavard reads it well and manages to clear.
      PSG 0-1 Bayern
      78. As things stand, Bayern will no doubt take this.
      With PSG having to come forward more, the German side could really hit them with a sucker punch before full time.
      Muller is trying to stretch Galtier’s side with some intelligent runs.
      PSG 0-1 Bayern
      76. That was the best chance we have seen for PSG tonight.
      Coman comes off, seemingly injured with Gnabry replacing the ex-PSG man.
      Vitinha comes on for PSG.
      Choupo-Moting comes off for Thomas Muller.
      Credit: EPA
      PSG 0-1 Bayern
      74. For all their confidence every Champions League campaign and the bookies tipping PSG, they constantly fail to deliver.
      Mbappe breaks free but Sommer makes a great save.
      Neymar follows up, blocked by Pavard.
      The ball is in the back of the net courtesy of the boot of Mbappe but he is well offside.
      PSG 0-1 Bayern
      72. Ramos is penalised for a foul on Musiala.
      The home fans have someone on a microphone trying to get the fans going.
      He’d be better off doing a raffle amongst the fans, this has been a lacklustre display by PSG.
      PSG 0-1 Bayern
      70. PSG come forward for a rare attack.
      Fabian Ruiz has offered a little more since his introduction.
      Kimpembe is shown a yellow-card for a challenge on Koman.
      PSG 0-1 Bayern
      68. Bayern are probing once again.
      There is no argument the better side is leading this game.
      For PSG fans, they can feel concerned at how blunt their side has been this evening.
      PSG 0-1 Bayern
      66. The game is opening up more now.
      Bayern are finding it all too easy to open PSG up.
      Mbappe does not look as mobile as he usually does, it does not look like he is 100% fit.
      Credit: EPA
      PSG 0-1 Bayern – Donnarumma save
      64. Musiala does brilliantly down the right and finds Choupo-Moting who gets a shot away.
      His effort is saved by a fingertip touch from Donnarumma, tipping it onto the post.
      Another warning for PSG.
      PSG 0-1 Bayern
      62. Bayern are still looking in full control here.
      Coman’s cross finds Choupo-Moting whose acrobatic effort is this time saved by Donnarumma.
      PSG go up the other end but Neymar is dispossessed just before he can unleash a shot.
      PSG 0-1 Bayern
      60. Coman is the scourge of PSG, despite having played for them in a former life.
      He scored the winning goal that broke French hearts when they reached the final during the pandemic.
      Fabian Ruiz is now on for PSG.
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