Wednesday’s briefing: PSG edge Bayern in thriller as Arsenal prepare for battle

Paris St Germain edged a chaotic Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich, which produced nine first-leg goals at the Parc des Princes.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele each scored twice in PSG’s extraordinary 5-4 victory, leaving Atletico Madrid and Arsenal a lot to live up to in Wednesday’s second semi-final.

Elsewhere, it was a sad day for Manchester City fans as it was announced that John Stones’ decade-long stay at the Etihad Stadium is to conclude at the end of the season.

In a Champions League game for the ages, PSG and Bayern served up a nine-goal classic that will live long in the memory.

The two top-scoring sides in the competition this season produced a fitting contest for those who suggested they should have been meeting in the Budapest final next month.

Harry Kane’s 54th goal of the campaign put Bayern ahead from the penalty spot, but PSG led 2-1 and 3-2 with Kvaratskhelia and Dembele adorning some wondrous attacking play with clinical finishing for a 5-2 lead.

Quickfire goals from Dayot Upamecano and Luis Diaz put the tie back in the balance for the Bavaria return. More again next week, please.

Opportunity knocks ✊ pic.twitter.com/spSw0cBTdy

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 28, 2026

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has told his players to deliver a statement victory in the opening leg of their Champions League semi-final clash against Atletico Madrid.

Arsenal are just two matches away from a first Champions League final in 20 years in their quest to make history, having never previously won Europe’s grandest tournament.

The Gunners fell at the semi-final stage last season following an underwhelming 1-0 defeat to Paris St Germain in their opening leg at the Emirates Stadium. A 2-1 defeat in Paris