Bayern Munich vs PSG - 2020 Champions League Final Recap

The Epic Clash Between Bayern Munich and PSG in the 2020 Champions League Final

The 2020 UEFA Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain was one of the most highly anticipated matches in recent years. Two of the biggest clubs in Europe faced off for the right to be crowned champions of Europe. There was plenty of star power on display, with players like Robert Lewandowski, Manuel Neuer, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé taking the field.

The Road to the Final

Bayern Munich stormed through the Champions League group stage, winning all six of their matches against Tottenham, Olympiacos, and Red Star Belgrade. They disposed of Chelsea 7-1 on aggregate in the Round of 16 before crushing Barcelona 8-2 in the quarters. In the semis, they defeated Lyon 3-0 to book their place in the final.

PSG dominated their group as well, beating Real Madrid, Club Brugge, and Galatasaray. They overcame Borussia Dortmund in the Round of 16 before meeting and defeating Atlanta Bergamo in the quarters. In the semis, they knocked out RB Leipzig to set up the clash with Bayern.

The Match Itself

The final was held at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal. Only a limited number of fans were allowed into the stadium due to COVID-19 restrictions. The atmosphere was still electric nonetheless.

PSG started the match brightly and had the better of the early chances. Neymar forced a good save from Neuer, while Mbappé also tested the Bayern keeper. However, Bayern grew into the game and eventually began creating chances of their own.

On the hour mark, Bayern broke the deadlock. Lewandowski latched onto a through ball from Joshua Kimmich and slotted a composed finish into the bottom corner. It was a hugely important goal that gave Bayern the momentum.

PSG tried to respond but looked vulnerable every time Bayern attacked. The German champions grabbed a second goal in the 88th minute when Mbappé gave the ball away on the edge of his own box. It was collected by Kimmich who played in Lewandowski to score his second.

Key Players

Robert Lewandowski - The Bayern striker was clinical in front of goal, scoring two excellent finishes to win Bayern the trophy. He was a constant menace to the PSG defense throughout the match.

Manuel Neuer - The Bayern keeper made several crucial saves early on to deny PSG and set the platform for Bayern to go on and control the game.

Neymar - The Brazilian tried hard to spark PSG into life, having a few shots saved by Neuer. But he couldn't find the breakthrough his team needed.

Kylian Mbappé - After a bright start, Mbappé faded and made the critical mistake for Bayern's second goal. He will be disappointed not to have impacted the final more.

Tactical Analysis

Bayern's high defensive line troubled PSG in behind early on but lessened as the game went on. PSG lacked width and variety in attack, playing too narrowly into Bayern's hands.

Bayern's midfield trio of Leon Goretzka, Thiago, and Kimmich dominated proceedings, overrunning PSG in the center of the park. This allowed Bayern's fullbacks to bomb forward providing attacking width.

PSG manager Thomas Tuchel will regret not making tactical tweaks or substitutions earlier to change the course of the game when it was slipping away.

Aftermath and Legacy

The win cemented Bayern as champions of Europe for the 6th time in their history. They claimed their second treble having already won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal.

For PSG, it was another year without that elusive Champions League trophy. They have invested heavily in a quest to win it but have ultimately fallen short each time.

Nonetheless, both teams boast phenomenally strong squads and will expect to challenge again in Europe next season. The 2020 final will go down as a tactical battle between two brilliant teams spearheaded by some of the best players in the world.

In the end, Bayern had just too much experience and quality on the night. They deservedly lifted the trophy after a dominant Champions League campaign from start to finish.

FAQs

Where was the 2020 Champions League final played?

The 2020 Champions League final between Bayern Munich and PSG was played at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal.

What was the score of the Champions League final?

The final score was Bayern Munich 1-0 PSG. Bayern won 2-0 thanks to two goals from Robert Lewandowski.

Who scored for Bayern Munich?

Both of Bayern's goals in their 2-0 victory were scored by Robert Lewandowski. He scored in the 60th minute and 88th minute.

How many Champions League titles have Bayern Munich won?

The 2020 Champions League title was Bayern Munich's 6th overall. They have now won the competition in 1974, 1975, 1976, 2001, 2013, and 2020.

When was the last time PSG reached the Champions League final?

2020 was the first ever Champions League final for Paris Saint-Germain. They had never previously advanced past the quarterfinals of the competition.