The spectacular 5-4 win in the first leg between FC Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain was a firework display in attack – but defensively, both teams revealed clear weaknesses. Ahead of the second leg, it’s worth taking a closer look at the figures, as they show where the differences lie – and what will be crucial for Bayern
At first glance, the defensive lines are almost on a par. PSG have conceded 21 goals in the current Champions League season, while FC Bayern have conceded 19. Converted, that’s 1.4 goals per game for the Parisians and 1.5 for Munich
There is also little difference in the expected goals against: both teams concede an average xG value of 1.4 per game, which shows that both Bayern and PSG are vulnerable defensively – especially against top attacking teams
PSG physically stronger and more disciplined
PSG have a slight advantage in tackles, winning 51 per cent of their duels, with Bayern just behind at 50 per cent. It is clearer in the air: PSG win 54 per cent of their duels, while FCB only win 46 per cent
The defending champions are also ahead in terms of discipline, with Bayern committing an average of 10.2 fouls per game compared to just 8.9 for PSG. This is also reflected in the number of cards: 22 yellow cards for Bayern compared to significantly fewer cautions for the Parisians
Bayern’s pressing as the big trump card
Bayern have a clear advantage in pressing. With 11.5 pressing sequences per game, they average 10.1 high ball wins. PSG are slightly behind with 11.3 pressing phases and 9.6 high ball wins
This shows that Bayern work more aggressively against the ball and win it back more often in dangerous areas – a decisive factor for quick scoring chances
The statistics also make it clear why the first leg was so high-scoring, with both teams attacking with many players and thus leaving spaces open behind the defense
It was precisely this lack of balance that was punished several times in the first match – and could once again be a decisive factor in the second leg
Balance decides the final
The numbers do not show a clear predominance, but two different profiles. PSG are more robust, stronger in tackles and more disciplined. Bayern, on the other hand, press more intensively and generate more pressure
For FC Bayern, this means using their own strength in pressing – but at the same time improving their defensive stability. If this balancing act is successful, the chances of turning around the 4:5 from the first leg and advancing to the final are good.