Paris Saint-Germain edged Bayern Munich 5-4 in a breathtaking but defensively chaotic first-leg semi-final clash in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, a result that has sparked debate over whether attacking brilliance or poor defending defined the encounter.

The match, played at the Parc des Princes, became the highest-scoring semi-final in the competition’s history, but also raised eyebrows over the lack of defensive discipline from two of Europe’s most elite sides.

Bayern struck first through Harry Kane, who calmly converted from the penalty spot, setting the tone for a game that quickly spiralled into an end-to-end shootout rather than a tactical contest.

PSG responded almost immediately, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia equalising before João Neves put the hosts ahead, exposing gaps in Bayern’s backline that were repeatedly exploited throughout the night.

The German champions hit back through Michael Olise, levelling the score at 2-2, but their defensive instability resurfaced as Ousmane Dembélé converted a penalty in stoppage time to give PSG a 3-2 lead at the break.

The second half offered no respite, as Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé both struck again, seemingly putting the game beyond Bayern’s reach and underlining PSG’s attacking firepower.

Yet, Bayern’s response further highlighted the defensive frailties on both sides, with Dayot Upamecano pulling one back before Luis Díaz reduced the deficit to a single goal, turning the closing stages into a frantic scramble.

While the spectacle drew comparisons to past classics, some analysts argue that the match reflected a worrying trend in modern football, where attacking flair is increasingly overshadowing defensive organisation at the highest level.

Despite the narrow advantage, PSG manager Luis Enrique will be aware that conceding four goals at home leaves the tie dangerously open ahead of the return leg at the Allianz Arena.

With a place in the final in Budapest at stake, Bayern will take confidence from their four away goals, while PSG must address their defensive vulnerabilities or risk seeing a thrilling victory turn into a costly collapse.