Nine-man PSG Beat Bayern Munich in FIFA Club World Cup Quarterfinals

Atlanta, July 5, 2025 — Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured a dramatic 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, advancing to the semifinals despite finishing the match with nine players. The match, which marked the final appearance for Bayern legend Thomas Müller, was a chaotic affair defined by red cards, a controversial overturned penalty, and late heroics from PSG.

Match Summary

PSG faced immense pressure after two red cards left them with nine players, but goals from Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé sealed a historic win. The French side demonstrated resilience, overcoming Bayern's relentless attacks in the closing stages.

• 78th minute: Désiré Doué broke the deadlock, scoring a crucial goal to give PSG the lead.
• 82nd minute: Willian Pacho was sent off, reducing PSG to ten men.
• 90+2nd minute: Lucas Hernandez received a straight red card for an elbow on Bayern’s Raphael Guerreiro, leaving PSG with nine players.
• 90+6th minute: Ousmane Dembélé scored a late goal, capitalizing on a counter-attack led by Achraf Hakimi, to secure the 2-0 victory.

The match was further intensified by a controversial moment in the 10th minute of stoppage time when Bayern were awarded a penalty after Thomas Müller appeared to be fouled by PSG’s Nuno Mendes. However, VAR overturned the decision, ruling that Mendes had touched the ball before contact with Müller, preserving PSG’s lead.

Thomas Müller’s Farewell

The match marked the end of Thomas Müller’s 25-year tenure with Bayern Munich, as the 35-year-old played his final game for the club. Müller, a Bayern youth product, leaves as the club’s record appearance holder with 751 games, 248 goals, and 33 trophies, including 13 Bundesliga titles and two UEFA Champions League titles. Despite his efforts, including a near-post flick-on in the closing minutes, Müller could not inspire a Bayern comeback.

Known as the “Raumdeuter” (space interpreter), Müller’s unique playing style and leadership were celebrated by fans and teammates. His final act involved the overturned penalty, a moment that encapsulated his competitive spirit. Posts on X reflected the sentiment, with fans praising his legacy, one noting, “Players tend to get a bit emotional at times like these, but not Müller. He’s just there to have a great time. What a player.”

Key Moments and Challenges

PSG faced significant adversity:

• Red Cards: Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez’s dismissals left PSG vulnerable, with Bayern dominating possession in the final minutes.
• Musiala’s Injury: Bayern’s Jamal Musiala suffered a horrific injury, further hampering their efforts.
• Heroic Defending: PSG’s nine-man defense held firm against Bayern’s late onslaught, with goalkeeper Matvey Safonov making crucial saves.

Bayern, despite their dominance, were frustrated by an offside call denying Harry Kane an equalizer and their inability to convert chances against a depleted PSG side.

What’s Next?

PSG advance to face either Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund in the semifinals, though they will be without Pacho and Hernandez due to suspensions. Bayern Munich exit the tournament, marking a disappointing end to Müller’s storied career with the club. Speculation surrounds Müller’s future, with potential moves to Major League Soccer or retirement being discussed, though no concrete plans have been confirmed.

Fan and Media Reactions

The match generated significant buzz on X, with posts highlighting the chaotic nature of PSG’s victory. One user described it as “a totally crazy match,” emphasizing the red cards, Musiala’s injury, and Dembélé’s decisive goal. Another hailed PSG’s “heroic defending” and historic qualification. Media outlets, including ESPN and The Guardian, underscored the dramatic nature of the win, with The Guardian noting PSG’s “stumbling past Bayern Munich in the most chaotic style imaginable.”

Thomas Müller’s departure resonated deeply, with Bayern’s official X account acknowledging the team’s effort despite the loss: “Unsere Jungs haben alles gegeben, aber wir scheiden im Viertelfinale der Klub-WM aus.” Fans paid tribute to Müller’s legacy, with one Reddit user commenting, “One of the most consistent players I’ve seen in my life. His versatility is unmatched.”

Conclusion

PSG’s 2-0 triumph over Bayern Munich was a testament to their resilience and tactical discipline, even when reduced to nine men. For Bayern, the match marked the end of an era with Thomas Müller’s exit, closing a chapter for one of the club’s greatest-ever players. As PSG prepare for the semifinals, the football world reflects on Müller’s extraordinary career and the legacy he leaves behind at Bayern Munich.