After witnessing the breathtaking score chase, coach Luis Enrique probably spoke for everyone.
You have to congratulate the opponent, the players. I have never seen a match with such a tempo" - the captain of Paris Saint-Germain shared after the 5-4 victory over Bayern Munich.
This UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg is almost unique, setting a record for the number of goals, but also opening up expectations for an even more exciting rematch.
We will go to Munich to win. We will attack, and Bayern too" - Ousmane Dembele affirmed.
Coach Vincent Kompany also agreed with that view: "We can completely score more goals. That brings faith". Not only the two teams, but fans also find the pure joy of football again. "Everyone loves matches like this" - PSG captain Marquinhos shared.
Compared to the match between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal, the showdown in Paris is like another sport. The pace, chaos and number of goals make the match at many times go beyond the familiar framework of 11-a-side football.
The biggest highlight lies in the quality of attack. Direct accelerations continuously create opportunities, such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's equalizer or Luis Diaz's situation to bring a penalty for Harry Kane. Diaz's decisive goal to narrow the score to 4-5, after Kane's delicate assist, evokes the classic moments of Dennis Bergkamp.
However, the eye-catching attacking performance also led to many debates. The defenses of both teams were heavily criticized, in which Manuel Neuer had a forgettable match. Former legends such as Clarence Seedorf and Wayne Rooney did not hesitate to point out defensive errors.
However, the question about the "seriousness" of the match was quickly rejected. In top football, the ultimate goal is still victory. And in that sense, nothing is more realistic than a Champions League semi-final.
It is noteworthy that both PSG and Bayern maintain absolute belief in the attacking philosophy, regardless of risk. "That's how we play" - Kompany emphasized.
However, not everyone can apply this playing style. Financial superiority in Ligue 1 and Bundesliga helps the two teams maintain fitness and freshness - something that many Premier League clubs can hardly achieve with a dense schedule.
In fact, the looseness in the defense also contributed to creating a goal shower. Both teams seemed unfamiliar with having to defend at such high intensity. However, the greatest value of this match lies in emotion and freedom. It reminds us of what football can bring when teams dare to play their way.
And more importantly, both PSG and Bayern are ready to recreate that in the second leg.
