Paris Saint-Germain's record against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League has long been a source of relief for Bayern fans, as in the last four meetings the Bavarians have won four and not conceded a goal. No other side has defeated PSG as often in European competition.
PSG have also endured the longest goalless run against Bayern in this competition. Yet the latest head-to-head did not favour PSG, with Bayern winning 2-0 in last summer's FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal.
The two teams meet again in the French capital for a Champions League clash today, a top-two clash in the group phase after each side won their opening three matches.
PSG's Goal Drought Against Bayern
Paris Saint‑Germain have failed to score in their last four Champions League matches against Bayern, the longest drought PSG have endured against a single opponent in the competition.
Across those four games, PSG have fired 40 shots, 14 on target, but none have beaten Bayern's defence.
Momentum and Key Facts
PSG are on a six-match Champions League winning streak after lifting the trophy last season and remain the competition’s top scorers this year with 13 goals from three matches.
Harry Kane Eyes a Record
Clearly Bayern head to Paris intent on ending this run, led by the in-form striker Harry Kane, who has a chance to score in five consecutive Champions League games for the first time in his career. Only two other Bayern players have achieved that feat: Arjen Robben in 2013 and Robert Lewandowski on three occasions; Kane has six goals in the last four European matches.
Of course Kane isn't the only one enjoying football at the moment; Bayern's entire squad has been in superb shape, winning all 15 of their competitive fixtures this season so far, and the Bavarians travel to Paris with confidence, aiming to extend their run against the defending champions.
Quotes and Outlook
Neuer's View
In the press conference ahead of the game, Manuel Neuer spoke about the contenders: "We will see tomorrow; it also depends on small details and the performance on the day. The key is to focus on ourselves, impose our style, both teams like to control the ball, and there will surely be counter-attacks; we must defend well and exploit moments to hurt Paris Saint‑Germain."
On the World Cup club clash and future: "Focus is clearly on the match; we performed well in the summer (Club World Cup), but didn't harvest the reward. We have made progress, started well, and now we are happy to play away against a strong team like this."
On his contract extension: "There are many factors involved; it's about fitness, health, motivation, and also what will happen to the club next season."
On what PSG might do: "We're not afraid; we enjoy playing against Paris Saint‑Germain. We play to win; they are strong individually and have a good coaching setup; their counter-attacks and long-range shots are dangerous; PSG has a lot of quality, and we know that and are ready for it."
On Lucas Chevalier: "He used to play for Lille and had a wonderful season. He is a goalkeeper who participates with his feet; that was the club's plan. Donnarumma had an excellent season last year; both goalkeepers are world-class."
On Vitinha’s comment that it would be a summit between Europe’s best: "It will definitely be a summit between two of the best teams in Europe; we must not forget the teams from England and Spain; we feel very good right now, we’ve taken another step forward and really look forward to tomorrow's clash."
Punchlines
Punchline 1: If goals were bullets, Bayern would be firing off a fireworks display in Paris—and somehow the ball keeps finding the goalkeeper’s glove.
Punchline 2: PSG vs Bayern: two teams, one ball, a thousand ways to miss—and yet somehow the drama still lands exactly where the corner flag lives.
