Bayern Munich Downs PSG in Tense Champions League Clash Marred by Hakimi Injury and Díaz Red Card

Paris Saint-Germain suffered a double blow in their UEFA Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich on Monday, November 4, 2025, as defender Achraf Hakimi was forced off in tears following a reckless tackle by Bayern’s Luis Díaz, who was subsequently sent off, and forward Ousmane Dembélé also exited early after a disallowed goal. Bayern Munich ultimately secured a crucial 2-1 victory at the Parc des Princes, propelling them to the top of the Champions League league phase table.

The high-stakes clash between two European giants was anticipated to be a tactical battle, but it quickly devolved into a dramatic affair marked by controversial incidents and player welfare concerns. The pivotal moment arrived late in the first half when Bayern’s two-goal hero, Luis Díaz, committed a dangerous challenge on Hakimi. The incident saw Díaz make a rash, two-footed tackle from behind, resulting in Hakimi’s ankle being rolled over. The Moroccan international immediately clutched his left leg in agony, visibly distressed as medical staff attended to him. Following a VAR review, referee confirmed a straight red card for Díaz, reducing Bayern to ten men. Hakimi was unable to put any pressure on hisled from the field, his Champions League night ending prematurely and in considerable pain.

Díaz’s dismissal overshadowed what had, until that point, been a standout performance from the Colombian winger. He had been instrumental in Bayern’s early dominance, netting two goals to put the visitors in a commanding 2-0 lead. His first goal came amidst a period of intense pressure from the Bundesliga champions, demonstrating his clinical finishing. The second, a well-taken effort, further solidified Bayern’s advantage and silenced the partisan crowd at the Parc des Princes. However, his subsequent tackle on Hakimi transformed him from match-winner to disciplinary liability, leaving his team with a numerical disadvantage for the entire second half and facing a potential multi-match suspension in future Champions League fixtures.

The injury to Hakimi represents a significant concern for Paris Saint-Germain. The 27-year-old Moroccan right-back has been a foundational element of Luis Enrique’s tactical setup, known for his relentless attacking runs and defensive solidity. Hakimi has been an ever-present force in PSG’s campaign, featuring in all ten Ligue 1 matches and three Champions League group stage games prior to this fixture. His ability to stretch play down the right flank and provide crucial assists has made him indispensable. The immediate aftermath suggested a serious ankle injury, with the club now awaiting comprehensive medical scans to determine the extent of the damage and a potential recovery timeline. Losing a player of Hakimi’s calibre, especially during the critical phase of the Champions League group stage and a packed domestic schedule, would be a substantial blow to PSG’s aspirations.

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Earlier in the first half, PSG’s woes began with another unfortunate incident involving Ousmane Dembélé. The France international appeared to have opened the scoring for the hosts, igniting hopes of an early lead. However, the goal was subjected to a lengthy VAR review, which ultimately ruled it out for offside, preserving Bayern’s 1-0 advantage at the time. More concerningly for PSG, during the VAR check, Dembélé was seen to be in discomfort. Shortly after the goal was disallowed, he was withdrawn from the match, making way for South Korean international Lee Kang-in. Dembélé headed straight down the tunnel to the dressing room, raising immediate questions about his fitness.

This incident reignites concerns over Dembélé’s persistent injury history. The 28-year-old winger had only recently returned to action on October 20 after a six-week layoff due to a hamstring injury. That particular injury was sustained while representing France in a World Cup qualifying match against Ukraine in early September, a game Les Bleus won 2-0. Dembélé’s career has been frequently punctuated by various muscle ailments, which have often disrupted his rhythm and availability for both club and country. Prior to this match, coach Luis Enrique had publicly assured that Dembélé was fit to play, making his early exit even more perplexing and worrying for the Parisian club. The full extent of his current discomfort, and whether it represents a new injury or a recurrence of his hamstring issues, was not immediately clear following the match.

Despite playing with ten men for a significant portion of the game, Bayern Munich demonstrated remarkable resilience and tactical discipline to hold onto their 2-1 lead. Their victory not only secured three vital points but also propelled them to the summit of the Champions League league phase table, a significant advantage in securing a favourable seeding for the knockout rounds. The German champions, known for their robust squad depth and mental fortitude, effectively managed the game after Díaz’s dismissal, stifling PSG’s attempts to capitalize on their numerical superiority.

For Paris Saint-Germain, this defeat is a setback in their quest for European glory. The club, backed by substantial investment, has made the Champions League a primary objective. While they remain strong contenders in their domestic Ligue 1 campaign, where they currently sit comfortably at the top, the Champions League group stage demands consistent performance against elite opposition. PSG had entered the match with a strong run of form in Ligue 1, securing victories in their last four outings, but their Champions League journey has been more tumultuous, with an earlier defeat to AC Milan serving as a prior warning. The loss to Bayern, coupled with the potential long-term absence of key players like Hakimi and the recurring fitness issues of Dembélé, places additional pressure on Luis Enrique’s squad as they navigate a congested fixture list leading up to the winter break.

The Parc des Princes faithful, accustomed to seeing their team dominate, witnessed a night filled with frustration. Beyond the injuries to Hakimi and Dembélé, PSG was also without forward Désiré Doué, who is currently recovering from a right thigh injury. The growing list of absentees will test the depth and versatility of the PSG squad, particularly with crucial upcoming domestic fixtures against the likes of Monaco and Lille, and the return leg against Bayern Munich later in the group stage. The club’s medical staff will now be working tirelessly to assess the injuries and provide clarity on the availability of their key players, as the season enters a critical phase.

The outcome of this encounter, decided by fine margins and dramatic events, will have lasting implications for both clubs’ Champions League campaigns. While Bayern celebrates a hard-fought victory and a strong position in the group, PSG faces an anxious wait on the medical reports of two of their most influential attacking and defensive assets, underscoring the brutal demands of elite European football.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.