Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain were ready for a heavyweight tournament and, boy, did they not disappoint.

The first half was played in a frenzy and the second half looked headed for more of the same, but some foolish play from PSG doomed the visitors and allowed the Bavarians to cruise to a win. Let’s not waste any more time, here are some fast hitters from the match:

• As always, let’s start with a look at the starting XI:

• The only mild surprises in the starting XI came with the wingers. Kompany chose Leroy Sané and Kingsley Coman over Michael Olise. In reality, it wasn’t exactly shocking, but it does show that the coach may now want to embrace more movement at the position. Or… maybe Sané leapfrogged Olise in the pecking order. Be that as it may, things are changing. For the rest, Coman and Gnabry is like tossing a coin, although Coman was not good against FC Augsburg last weekend.
• PSG came out with a lot of life – they were aggressive and all over Bayern Munich.
• Leon Goretzka was in a great spot for a quality chance in the 4th minute, but his touch gave him away.
• As energetic as PSG were, Bayern Munich matched the intensity. Musiala threw a try in the 7th, but it was saved by Matvey Safonov.
• Speaking of Safonov, you could slide him into any environment. Comic book convention, biker bar, carnival, IT department… guy has a versatile look.
• Konrad Laimer gave Sané a decent look in the 11th minute, but Safonov was there again.
• Laimer covered all kinds of ground early on.
• Coman and Achraf Hakimi had a big battle on the left flank. In the 28th minute, Coman made some fantastic dribbles to create a great chance, but he airmailed it.
• It was allowed, because a few seconds later Warren Zaire-Emery returned the favor by converting a fairly easy chance.
• Manuel Neuer made a huge save from Ousmane Dembélé in the 32nd minute. It was clear that the attacking groups were beginning to wear down each team’s defense.
• Finally, in the 38th minute, Kimmich threw a beautiful ball into the penalty area from a corner, which Safonov misjudged his punch, somehow ended up in front of the net, bounced straight up and was headed home by Kim Min- jae. Musiala should get some credit for getting in Safonov’s way without making contact.
• The shame for Safonov is that before that mistake he made quite a few important saves and played a pretty solid game.
• Seconds later, Coman got a step on Hakimi and headed towards Safonov, but lifted the ball over the net. The man needs to work on his finishing. It certainly wasn’t an easy opportunity, but Coman won’t be letting go of that perception of his game anytime soon.
• As far as entertainment value goes, the first half was straight up fire. However, the pace was so frenetic that viewers wondered if the teams could keep it up.
• PSG started the second half with a real sense of urgency as Bayern Munich looked to be on their head.
• However, Dembélé lived up to his bad reputation and picked up a second yellow card after a completely unnecessary foul on Alphonso Davies. It was Dembélé’s second yellow of the match, meaning PSG were a man down for the rest of the match.
• That was exactly the break Bayern Munich needed, as the Bavarians were able to play a much more methodical style.
• In the 66th minute, Neuer made a mad run into midfield to receive a back pass from Kimmich (definitely not meant for him), which ultimately led to Kane setting up Coman for another great try… which he put over the lat sent.
• Musiala hit the post in the 74th minute which would have put the game out of play, but this was not Bayern Munich’s best shooting performance.
• I don’t want to be an alarmist, but Thomas Müller looked like he was trudging along. That’s how he looked during the European Championship. That bounce he had in his to start the season for Bayern Munich is gone. Unfortunately, this was the first time since the European Championships that Müller really didn’t look like himself. It looked like he had lost two steps.
• In the 85th minute, PSG had the best chance to pull off a miracle when a ball landed right at the feet of João Neves, who sent his shot wide of the target.
• Overall, the match was a lot of fun for one half, but immediately shifted completely to Bayern Munich thanks to Dembele’s senseless foul on Davies. This was the victory Bayern Munich wanted, but the way things turned out made it lose some of its luster. Bayern Munich were indeed the better team, but PSG really tested the Bavarians for the red card. However, Bayern Munich will take the win and run, and that’s all that matters.

If you missed our initial analysis, match prizes, observations or postgame podcast, check out or listen:

Manchester United would love to land the Bayern Munich left-back, but the Red Devils are hit by the reality that Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are likely stronger contenders to ink the Canadian:

The search for a new left back at Manchester United is in full swing. Highest priority for Ruben #Amorim as reported!

▫️Alphonso Davies remains the desired target but difficult to achieve

Theo Hernández is also on the list, among other options. However, Hernández is being closely watched. Contract with AC Milan until 2026. #MUFC @SkySportDE

Interestingly, there have been rumors that Hernandez would be a target for Bayern Munich if Davies were to leave, but recent rumors have provided far more optimism about Davies’ return to Bayern Munich than anything we’ve seen in months. Will the Bavarians get a deal done before Real Madrid or FC Barcelona can convince Davies?

Manchester City could be looking at Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremy Frimpong:

According to Football Insider, Manchester City could consider re-signing Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremy Frimpong as Kyle Walker approaches the final years of his career. At 23, Frimpong is seen as a long-term option for the Citizens, while Brentford’s Sepp van den Berg is also being eyed for their defense.

Frimpong has been linked to a number of clubs, but it remains to be seen how serious these links are. One thing seems certain: Leverkusen will see a mass exodus after this season.

Thank the stars that the Bundesliga is back!

After the international break, the Bundesliga Rundown returns, showcasing the exciting drama of matchday 11.

From analyzing the seven-goal ‘El Plástico’ thriller between TSG Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig to giving controversial VAR advice, this episode has it all!

In addition, this episode will cover:

• Christian Ilzer: the intriguing contractual signing from TSG Hoffenheim.
• Why Bo Henriksen from Mainz 05 is perhaps one of the most underrated coaches in the Bundesliga.
• Why Marcus is not head over heels in love with VAR.
• Dominik Salz: The most heartwarming story of the past week.

Stay tuned for detailed highlights of the two featured games below.

TSG Hoffenheim 4-3RB Leipzig

Holstein Kiel 0-3 Mainz 05

Joshua Kimmich could bring a contract extension with Bayern Munich closer:

Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich is close to agreeing a contract extension in Bavaria despite interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, a report has revealed.

The Germany international’s current contract expires this summer and there has been constant speculation about his future in recent years. There is talk of a free transfer to La Liga leaders Barcelona, ​​while French giants PSG have also been linked.

Kimmich himself did not stop talks about a move to Barcelona when asked in October, but recent developments suggest he could ultimately extend his stay at the Allianz Arena.

L’Equipe write that the 29-year-old is now “closer” to extending his contract with Bayern than to expressing his desire to join PSG. Talks are said to have intensified in recent weeks and the report adds that “the deal is almost a done deal.”

There have been many positive changes in Bavaria in recent months. The departure of Thomas Tuchel and the appointment of Vincent Kompany as manager have breathed new life into the side, while Kimmich has played more regularly in central midfield after spending much of the failed 2023/2024 season as a right-back.

However, the new season did not go without problems. While Bayern are back at the top of the Bundesliga, two defeats in the Champions League mean the German giants must finish the preliminary stages strongly or risk missing out on a place in the top eight, which will bring automatic qualification to the last 16.

One of those defeats came at Barcelona, ​​but Bayern have won each of their six games since, keeping a clean sheet in each and scoring a total of seventeen goals.

Alphonso Davies is not the only Bundesliga player on Manchester United’s watchlist. Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface may also be on the Red Devils’ radar:

FC Barcelona wants to keep Robert Lewandowski, but could also look at a contingency plan — Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres:

Barcelona are closely monitoring the situation of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, a target for Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool. The Swede has an €80 million release clause written into his contract.

Bayern Munich will win the competition this season; they have won nine of their eleven matches and drawn another two; the draw came against the teams currently in second and fourth place, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen respectively, but is this the best Bayern there is? We try to answer this question in the Flagship and more:

• What’s going on with Mathys Tel?
• Has Vincent Kompany substituted Jamal Musiala enough?
• Was Bayern good against Augsburg?
• What’s going on with Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen?
• Reflections on Robert Lewandowski’s interesting interview with Rio Ferdinand
• What are the best words to describe Bayern Munich at the moment?