Paris Saint-Germain claimed a hard-fought 2-0 victory over bayern Munich in a tense FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal match. Played on Saturday, July 6, 2025, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, the encounter was packed with significant late-game drama and overshadowed by a serious injury to a key Bayern player. This win propels PSG into the semifinals, keeping their quest for another major trophy alive just weeks after securing their first-ever Champions League title. The match proved a challenging test for both sides, ultimately seeing the French champions prevail against their German rivals.
Injury Casts Pall Over First Half
The opening half saw both teams vying for control in front of a crowd of 66,937. While opportunities arose at both ends, the game remained scoreless. However, a moment of significant concern unfolded just before the halftime whistle. Bayern’s promising young midfielder, Jamal Musiala, suffered a visibly distressing ankle injury. The incident occurred following a challenge near the byeline involving PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Reports indicated no malicious intent in the tangle for the ball.
The severity of Musiala’s injury was immediately apparent. Donnarumma was visibly distraught upon seeing the extent of the damage. Both sets of players walked towards the dressing rooms in a somber silence, with the Italian keeper reportedly close to tears. German football analysts later suggested the injury was severe enough to potentially sideline Musiala for several months. This prognosis dealt a significant blow to Bayern, particularly as Musiala was expected to take on a more prominent role for the upcoming season. The incident appeared to deeply affect the Bayern squad’s morale as the match progressed into the second half.
Breaking the Deadlock
Despite the unsettling end to the first half, the second period saw PSG eventually find a breakthrough. The decisive moment arrived in the 78th minute. The goal originated from intelligent pressing high up the pitch. PSG’s João Neves dispossessed Bayern’s talismanic striker, Harry Kane, near the halfway line. Neves quickly played a swift give-and-go, receiving the ball back as the French side surged forward. He then found Désiré Doué positioned just outside the penalty area.
Doué, showing composure, unleashed a low, left-footed shot towards the Bayern goal. The strike skidded across the turf and found its way inside the right post. Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer appeared caught flat-footed by the shot’s trajectory and pace. The goal gave PSG a crucial 1-0 lead, rewarding their persistence and breaking the deadlock after a tense period. Doué’s contribution in scoring the opener would later see him recognized as the player of the match for his impactful performance.
Late Red Cards Test PSG’s Resolve
Having taken the lead, PSG faced an immense challenge in the closing minutes. Just four minutes after their goal, in the 82nd minute, defender Willian Pacho received a straight red card. This sending-off was for a reckless, high lunge on Bayern’s Leon Goretzka. The dismissal forced PSG to navigate the final stages of the game with only ten men, immediately shifting the tactical landscape.
The situation worsened for PSG deep into stoppage time. Full-back Lucas Hernández was also shown a red card. His dismissal came in the 90th minute plus two minutes of added time (90’+2′). Hernández was sent off for an elbow on Bayern’s Raphaël Guerreiro. This second red card meant Paris Saint-Germain was reduced to just nine players on the field for the final few minutes of a crucial quarterfinal tie. Facing a two-man disadvantage against a desperate Bayern side pushing for an equalizer presented a severe test of their resilience.
Sealing the Win Against the Odds
Despite being significantly shorthanded, PSG managed to find an insurance goal in the dying moments. With Bayern throwing players forward in search of a late leveler, the French side capitalized on the space left behind. In the 96th minute, deep into added time, Ousmane Dembélé struck to double PSG’s lead. Achraf Hakimi provided the assist for Dembélé’s goal.
This goal, scored while PSG had only nine men, was particularly painful for Bayern. It demonstrated PSG’s ability to adapt to adversity and punish their opponent’s attacking commitment. Dembélé’s celebration included a gesture reportedly intended as a tribute to Diogo Jota, aiming to uplift some of his Portuguese teammates following difficult news about the Liverpool player. The second goal cemented PSG’s 2-0 victory and secured their passage to the next round.
Bayern’s Disallowed Goals and VAR Drama
The match was also characterized by several moments of frustration for Bayern Munich. The German giants saw two separate goal attempts ruled out for offside during the game. One disallowed header came earlier in the match from defender Dayot Upamecano. Later, England captain Harry Kane also had a goal chalked off for offside. Kane endured a difficult night overall, struggling to make his usual impact against the well-organized PSG defense.
Adding to Bayern’s late-game woes, they were initially awarded a penalty kick in the final seconds. Referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot for a challenge involving Nuno Mendes and Thomas Müller. However, the decision was subject to a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. After consulting the pitchside monitor, Taylor overturned his initial call, deeming there was no foul sufficient to award a penalty. This decision extinguished Bayern’s last real hope of getting back into the match.
An Era Ends at Bayern
For Bayern Munich, the defeat carried additional emotional weight. The match marked the final appearance for club legend Thomas Müller. The 35-year-old forward, who came on as a substitute, had previously announced his decision to leave the club at the end of his contract. Müller concluded his illustrious 17-year career with Bayern, having won an incredible 33 major trophies with the club. The Club World Cup quarterfinal loss provided an unexpected and perhaps bittersweet conclusion to a remarkable spell at the Allianz Arena.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain celebrated their progression. This victory continued a strong run of form for the Parisians. Just five weeks prior, they had emphatically secured their first Champions League title with a dominant 5-0 performance against Inter Milan. Their clinical victory over Bayern, despite the late adversity of two red cards, showcased their determination and quality. The match statistics highlighted Bayern’s slight edge in possession and passes, but both sides registered an equal number of shots on target, reflecting PSG’s clinical finishing and Neuer’s saves against attempts from players like Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, while Donnarumma denied Michael Olise and Aleksandar Pavlovic.
Looking Ahead: A Semifinal Clash
With this crucial win in Atlanta, Paris Saint-Germain now advances to the semifinals of the FIFA Club World Cup. Their next opponent is Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid. Real Madrid secured their spot in the semifinal by defeating Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in another quarterfinal tie. The high-profile semifinal clash between PSG and Real Madrid is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, July 9th. The match will be held at a different US venue: East Rutherford, New Jersey. Facing a team of Real Madrid’s pedigree will be another significant challenge for PSG as they aim for further silverware in the tournament.
The match against Bayern was a testament to PSG’s mental fortitude, particularly their ability to withstand immense pressure while playing with nine men. While Bayern may reflect on missed opportunities, disallowed goals, and the impact of Musiala’s injury, PSG earned their victory through opportunistic scoring and defensive resilience under duress. Some post-match analysis from other sources heavily criticized Bayern’s performance, especially their inability to score against a short-handed opponent, and questioned manager Vincent Kompany’s tactics against top teams. Referee Anthony Taylor’s performance also drew criticism from some quarters. Despite these external talking points, the result stands: PSG is through, Bayern is out, and Thomas Müller’s legendary Bayern career concludes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Jamal Musiala’s injury status after PSG vs Bayern?
Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala suffered a significant ankle injury just before halftime during the match against PSG on July 6, 2025. The injury occurred during a tangle with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Early assessments from journalists suggested it was a “gruesome” injury likely to keep the young star sidelined for at least a few months, potentially impacting Bayern’s plans significantly.
Who is PSG playing in the Club World Cup semifinal?
Following their 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals, Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the semifinals of the FIFA Club World Cup. Their opponent in the next round is Real Madrid. Real Madrid secured their place by defeating fellow German side Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in their respective quarterfinal match.
What was the significance of Thomas Müller’s last Bayern game?
The defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup quarterfinal on July 6, 2025, marked the final match for German football legend Thomas Müller with Bayern Munich. Müller had previously announced his decision to leave the club after 17 years. His departure ends a remarkable era where he won 33 trophies, making this match a historic, albeit disappointing, conclusion to his illustrious Bayern career.
