„Deplorable“ and „weakening“: the press is harsh on FC Bayern | OneFootball

FC Bayern’s narrow semi-final exit against Paris Saint-Germain has hit the international headlines. While PSG are being celebrated for reaching the final once again, the German record champions are being criticized in many countries, with the discussions surrounding the controversial handball scene in particular

After the 4:5 in the first leg , FC Bayern’s 1:1 in the Allianz Arena was no longer enough to advance to the Champions League final. The international press sees Paris Saint-Germain as the deserved winners – and at the same time is not sparing in its criticism of the Munich team

The French press reacted particularly euphorically, with L’Équipe writing: „The history of French soccer is often written in Munich.“ At the same time, the paper once again described the Allianz Arena as a „source of endless joy“ for PSG

Le Figaro also celebrated the defending champions after they reached the final: „Paris Saint-Germain are in the final!“, wrote the newspaper, highlighting the French side’s passionate defensive work in particular. PSG had „fought heroically in defence“

In Spain, Luis Enrique took center stage, with Marca declaring: „Luis Enrique once again makes Munich holy ground for PSG.“ At the same time, the paper emphasized that Harry Kane’s goal in stoppage time had come „too late“

AS put it even more clearly: „PSG is the bestia negra!“

Mundo Deportivo, on the other hand, emphasized the historical significance of the semi-final duel, saying that while the first leg had already gone down in soccer history as „one of the best matches of all time“, the second leg was „characterized by tension and nervousness“

„Handball drama“ causes discussion worldwide

photo: Getty Images

The controversial handball scene in the PSG penalty area also occupied numerous international media outlets, with the decision being the subject of intense debate in England in particular

The BBC explained that Bayern were convinced they should have been awarded a penalty, but also referred to the current interpretation of the rules, which state that a penalty cannot be awarded if the ball is played by a teammate beforehand

The Guardian, on the other hand, praised PSG for their defensive stability and wrote that the French side had „neutralized a weakening FC Bayern“ and „hardly faltered“

The Sun ’s verdict was particularly harsh, with the tabloid writing: „Bayern Munich went down miserably.“

In Italy, the French team’s place in the final was also considered well-deserved, with the Corriere dello Sport describing it as a thrilling second leg and declaring that PSG had ultimately won the semi-final

In Austria, on the other hand, the emotional view of Munich’s elimination dominated, with the Kurier headlining simply: „Endstation Halbfinale.“ The Kronen Zeitung even wrote that PSG had plunged Bayern „into a valley of tears“

In Switzerland, the focus was mainly on the controversial scene involving João Neves and spoke of a „handball drama“

After two spectacular semi-finals, one impression remains: PSG are celebrated internationally for their maturity, efficiency and nerves of steel – while FC Bayern are left with nothing but disappointment despite a strong performance.