Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé scored twice each as Paris Saint-Germain defeated Bayern Munich 5–4 in an epic first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, in a match that became the highest-scoring semi-final in the competition’s history.

The first half alone produced a flurry of goals, with Harry Kane putting Bayern ahead from the penalty spot before Kvaratskhelia equalised. João Neves then headed PSG in front at an electric Parc des Princes.

Michael Olise restored parity at 2–2, but a Dembélé penalty deep into first-half stoppage time sent the reigning champions into the break leading 3–2.

Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé struck again after the restart to put PSG firmly in control at 5–2, before Bayern mounted a late fightback through Dayot Upamecano and Luis Díaz to set up a tense finish.

An enthralling encounter — arguably surpassing last season’s semi-final between Inter Milan and Barcelona — leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday, with a place in the final in Budapest on May 30 at stake.

Luis Enrique’s side will travel to Germany with a narrow advantage, but Bayern will take confidence from their late response in Paris.

The German champions, coached by Vincent Kompany, arrived in the French capital having scored 167 goals this season, led by Kane, who has now netted 54 times in all competitions.

The match lived up to its billing after Bayern’s emphatic quarter-final victory over Real Madrid, producing an instant classic filled with attacking brilliance and defensive vulnerability on both sides.

Bayern took the lead in the 17th minute when Kane converted a penalty after Willian Pacho brought down Díaz. PSG, however, responded strongly, with Kvaratskhelia showcasing his trademark brilliance down the left flank before curling a superb effort into the far corner.

Neves’ header from a Dembélé corner made it 2–1, before Olise levelled for Bayern with a powerful strike for his 20th goal of the season.

PSG regained the lead just before half-time when Dembélé converted from the spot after a VAR review ruled that Alphonso Davies had handled inside the box.

After the restart, Achraf Hakimi set up Kvaratskhelia for PSG’s fourth before Dembélé added his second with a low finish past Manuel Neuer to make it 5–2.

Bayern refused to surrender, with Upamecano heading in from a Joshua Kimmich free-kick and Díaz later reducing the deficit further after a fine solo run.

The visitors came close to an even more dramatic finish, but Senny Mayulu’s late effort struck the crossbar, sparing PSG further heartbreak.

Kompany, watching from the stands due to suspension, will nonetheless take encouragement from his side’s resilience as they prepare for a decisive second leg in Munich.