The Champions League semi-final is seen by some as the moral finale. PSG coach Luis Enrique is certainly party to that view, but before the match in Paris he said:
These are the two strongest teams in Europe.
At least going forward. A relentless offensive from both sides produced five goals in the first 45 minutes – and another four in the second half.
Luis Díaz was brought down by Pacho, referee Sandro Schärer blew the whistle and pointed to the penalty spot. Harry Kane doesn't usually miss such an opportunity - he tends to be the safe bet.
So it was at Parc des Princes.
The Englishman put the Germans ahead after just over a quarter of an hour. The reply came fairly immediately. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Georgian ball wizard, broke through and scored to make it 1–1.
Chances followed in both directions – and suddenly PSG was in the lead thanks to João Neves' header.
Michael Olise slammed home 2-2 and before the dazzling, action-packed first half was over, Ousmane Dembélé pulled one back to make it 3-2 from a controversial penalty for a handball on Alphonso Davies.
"I hope this match lasts five hours. It's the best I've ever seen. I'm just sitting there enjoying it," said Fredrik Ljungberg in the Viaplay studio at halftime.
Ljungberg was hardly alone. Nor was any other neutral spectator, for that matter.
Kvaratskhelia scored to make it 4-2. Dembélé added to the scoreline two minutes later as PSG cruised to what looked like a big win. Dayot Upamecano and Díaz scored the equalisers – with over 20 minutes of regulation remaining.
The closest to a tenth goal in the magical match was PSG substitute Senny Mayulu, whose shot hit the crossbar.
On Wednesday evening, Atlético Madrid and Arsenal meet in the first leg of the second semi-final. The return legs will be played next week.