Holders PSG edge Bayern 5-4 in record-breaking semi-final first leg

PARIS, April 28 : Defending champions Paris St Germain battled past visitors Bayern Munich 5-4 in a pulsating Champions League semi-final first leg on Tuesday that had a record number of goals at this stage of the competition.

In a match that will go down as an instant classic, PSG came from a goal down to lead 5-2 with two goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele before Bayern struck twice in three minutes just before the hour to improve their chances for next week's return leg in Munich. 

The match pitted the most attacking Champions League teams of the season against each other and it quickly lived up to its billing with a relentless pace and with Bayern coach Vincent Kompany in the stands, serving out a suspension, and his assistant Aaron Danks in the dugout.

"It was two teams that seek to attack that don't question themselves," man-of-the-match Dembele said. "It's the semi-finals of the Champions League. We're happy with the result, despite being up 5-2.

"We stopped playing a little by the end. Bayern are a top team. It was an incredible game, and now we'll go to Munich, hoping to get the win in order to qualify for the final."

Harry Kane converted a 17th-minute penalty to beat PSG goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, and become the first English player to net in six successive Champions League fixtures. The England captain then delivered a well-timed pass for Michael Olise but his close-range shot was cleared off the line.

The hosts should have levelled when Dembele broke through but his finish flew well wide in the 23rd. Kvaratskhelia did it much better with a trademark move and a low shot after cutting into the box.

Bayern hit the post following a solo run by Olise and his deflected pass but it was PSG who scored