Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé starred as Paris Saint-Germain edged Bayern München 5-4 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final in what will go down as one of the most memorable matches in the competition's history.

Expectations were high ahead of this encounter between two of the tournament's great entertainers, who were the joint-top scorers with 38 goals each ahead of kick-off.

But nothing could prepare viewers for this breathtaking spectacle full of speed, skill and sublime finishing, which showcased the very best of European football at the elite level.

After a relatively quiet opening the game sparked into life when Willian Pacho fouled Luis Díaz in the box, Harry Kane converting the resulting penalty for his 54th goal of the season.

Just seven minutes later, though, Paris were level, Kvaratskhelia cutting inside Josip Stanišić before curling a wicked effort beyond Manuel Neuer for his sixth goal in his last six Champions League appearances.

João Neves had already scored against Bayern in the league phase earlier this season, and the Portuguese midfielder got in on the act again just after the half-hour mark, rising highest to send a glancing header in from Dembélé's corner.

There was barely time to draw breath again before Bayern had equalised, Michael Olise displaying his trademark fancy footwork to tiptoe into the box before fizzing a fierce effort past Matvei Safonov.

Just when it seemed the scores would be level going into the break there was a final twist, Alphonso Davies handling in the box and Dembélé finishing from the spot to give Paris the slender advantage after a dazzling first period.

After a well-earned break for both players and fans, Paris started the second period at breakneck speed, Kvaratskhelia getting his second by tucking in Achraf Hakimi's cross before Dembélé scored his second and Paris' fifth with a powerful near-post strike.

It looked as though Bayern were down and out, but somehow they clawed their way back into it. Dayot Upamecano nodded in from Joshua Kimmich's free-kick, and just three minutes later Luis Díaz brilliantly took down Kane's long ball and bent in at the far post.

That was, finally, to be the end of the scoring on an unforgettable evening, and all attention now turns towards the return in Munich next Wednesday. If it is even half as good as this one, it could be something quite special. (uefa.com)

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