Bayern Munich edged Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in a tense Champions League clash on Tuesday, with Kim Min-jae’s first-half header proving decisive. The victory not only strengthened Bayern’s position in the group standings but also dealt a significant blow to PSG’s hopes of avoiding the playoff round.

Kim capitalized on an error by PSG goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, who fumbled a corner into the defender’s path. The South Korean’s goal marked his first in the Champions League and proved sufficient to secure the win in a rematch of the 2020 final, which Bayern also won 1-0.

The task became steeper for PSG after Ousmane Dembélé was sent off in the 60th minute for a reckless challenge. Bayern's disciplined defense, led by Kim and reinforced by a strong showing from their backline, ensured the French side could not recover. Bayern’s coach, Vincent Kompany, praised his defenders, stating, "When it’s no fun for the strikers at training, you know you’ve got something going on in the defense."

Enrique's Gamble and PSG's Struggles

PSG head coach Luis Enrique’s decision to start Safonov over regular keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma raised eyebrows, though the Russian initially impressed with early saves. However, his critical error led to Kim’s goal, which underscored Bayern’s clinical finishing.

Enrique defended his lineup decisions, stating he prioritizes "what’s best for the team," but the result leaves PSG in a precarious position. They sit in 26th place on the 36-team table, outside even the playoff spots. Forward Gonçalo Ramos expressed frustration but remained optimistic: "We can still go to the next round, and we are focused on that."

Path Forward for Both Teams

Bayern Munich now sit 11th in the standings and are well-positioned to advance, with fixtures against Shakhtar Donetsk, Feyenoord, and Slovan Bratislava remaining. PSG, on the other hand, face a daunting schedule, including home clashes with Manchester City and tough away trips to Red Bull Salzburg and Stuttgart.

Bayern’s victory extends their impressive run of seven consecutive clean sheets in all competitions. Meanwhile, PSG must regroup quickly to keep their Champions League aspirations alive.