PSG-Bayern Munich: A quarter-final with a taste of "revenge" at the Club World Cup

Things are getting serious for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Club World Cup. Having easily defeated Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in the round of 16 (4-0), the capital club faces Bayern Munich on Saturday, July 5, in Atlanta, Georgia, for a spot in the semi-finals (6 p.m. Paris time). A top-of-the-table match—not unlike a Champions League fixture—where Luis Enrique's team has the opportunity to confirm its newfound status since winning the European Championship title on May 30 in… Munich, Germany, in Bayern's home ground.

In passing, the Parisians intend to erase past failures against the Bavarian Rekordmeister , who are on a series of four victories against PSG. "It could be a good moment to take our revenge," confirmed striker Bradley Barcola, after the success against Miami. That of the defeat of PSG in 2020, in the final of the Champions League, defeated by the Bavarians (0-1) on a goal from the ex-Parisian, Kingsley Coman; or of the last face-to-face, on November 26, where the Munich team won on their ground (0-1), in the league phase of the continental competition.

Marquinhos' teammates were going through the worst period of their season and had missed their match, putting all the warning lights on. Ousmane Dembélé, not yet transformed into an ultra-effective striker , had been sent off, coach Luis Enrique was heavily criticized for his tactical choices and the French champions seemed to be heading towards an early elimination from the continental scene.

Seven months later, PSG has radically changed its face. Since its demonstration in the Champions League final (5-0 against Inter Milan), the capital club has cemented its status as a major European powerhouse – not to mention its treble on the domestic scene (Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions) – and continued its momentum at the Club World Cup. With the exception of a surprise defeat against Botafogo (0-1), it displayed great control against Atlético de Madrid (4-0), Seattle (2-0) and now Inter Miami (4-0). Enough to challenge Bayern Munich with a conquering spirit. "When we faced them [in November] , we weren't in a very good moment. Now, I think we can show a lot in this match," judges Bradley Barcola.

The balance of power has shifted, confirms Patrick Guillou, Bundesliga specialist and BeIN Sports consultant. "PSG are the favorites based on their team experience, their dynamics, and the confidence they have built up throughout the season ," assures the former player. "They have more guarantees in their game than Bayern, who have often been forced to tinker in recent months, particularly in the defensive sector."

Despite these favorable conditions for the Parisians, Bayern Munich remains a tough opponent . After his team's mixed record this season—reclaiming the Bundesliga, but being eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Champions League—coach Vincent Kompany quickly considered the tournament in the United States as a catch-up session. For several weeks, the Belgian has reiterated his goal of winning the first edition of this competition in its expanded format. And the convincing performances of his players confirmed that he is not taking the Club World Cup lightly.

Apart from a misstep against Benfica (1-0 defeat), the Germans crushed Auckland City (10-0) and beat Boca Juniors (2-1) in the group stage, before dominating Flamengo (4-2) in the last 16, thanks to a double from Harry Kane. The English striker, who has already scored 41 goals this season in all competitions, will be his team's number one asset. "We are here to win," he said after the success against Flamengo. Alongside him, Frenchman Michael Olise, who scored 20 goals in his first season at Bayern, and young German Jamal Musiala make up a formidable Bavarian attack – which could be strengthened by the introductions of Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry or veteran Thomas Müller, who will leave the club at the end of the tournament.

The fact remains that "on the defensive side," the collective built by Luis Enrique is superior, believes Patrick Guillou. "Bayern concedes many chances when they lose the ball and often finds themselves in numerical inferiority situations. Given PSG's offensive qualities, this can be difficult to manage" for the Germans, the consultant emphasizes.