Luis Diaz scored twice and was sent off as Bayern Munich stunned Champions League holders PSG 2-1 to extend their incredible winning streak to 16 matches as the Colombian forward nearly went from hero to zero.
Bayern Munich continued their flawless start to the season with a 2-1 victory over defending European champions Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes. Luis Diaz struck twice in a superb first-half performance before seeing red, as Vincent Kompany’s side claimed their 16th straight win in all competitions.
The Colombian opened the scoring after just four minutes, scrambling home from close range after Michael Olise’s effort was blocked. PSG thought they had levelled midway through the first half when Ousmane Dembele found the net, but his goal was ruled out for offside before he limped off injured.
Diaz doubled Bayern’s advantage shortly after, dispossessing a hesitant Marquinhos and finishing confidently past Lucas Chevalier. But the winger turned from hero to villain just before half-time, receiving a red card following a VAR review for a dangerous tackle on Achraf Hakimi.
Reduced to ten men, Bayern showcased a different side of their game after the interval. Kompany’s team, renowned for their attacking flair, defended with remarkable discipline. Manuel Neuer, who turns 40 next March, produced several key saves, while Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah stood firm at the back.
PSG piled on the pressure in the second half, finally pulling one back through substitute Joao Neves, who volleyed home a cross from Lee Kang-In in the 74th minute. Neves later headed wide, and Marquinhos missed a clear chance, as Bayern clung on for a statement victory.
Luis Diaz was the standout performer of the first half, scoring twice in a ruthless display before his costly dismissal. Despite his red card, the Colombian joined a rare list of players to score twice and be sent off in a Champions League match, after Antoine Griezmann in 2021.
Jonathan Tah earned plaudits for his defensive leadership, particularly in the closing stages. Manuel Neuer was equally vital, denying Neves and Vitinha with reflex saves that kept Bayern ahead. Meanwhile, Serge Gnabry came agonisingly close to adding a third when his long-range shot struck both posts.
This victory extends Bayern’s perfect record to 16 matches this season. They sit five points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and have won all four of their Champions League group games. Kompany’s men have also beaten both the world and European champions, Chelsea and PSG, in the same campaign.
“Bayern are the best team in Europe right now,” admitted PSG boss Luis Enrique. “At 11 against 11, they were stronger, without a doubt.”
Bayern travel to face Arsenal next on Wednesday, November 26th, in what could decide top spot in the league. For now, the Bavarians have a Bundesliga match away to Union Berlin to look forward to this weekend.
PSG, meanwhile, host Tottenham on the same night of November 26th, hoping to recover from this setback and keep their qualification hopes alive. In Ligue 1, the Parisian giants will travel to Lyon at the Groupama Stadium this weekend.
