According to the Sportbible, Paris Saint-Germain has secured their place in a second consecutive Champions League final, defeating Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate in a thrilling semi-final clash. While the aggregate scoreline suggests a back-and-forth encounter, it was PSG manager Luis Enrique’s unconventional tactical approach in the second leg at the Allianz Arena that proved pivotal, particularly in neutralising Bayern’s prolific winger, Michael Olise.
The unconventional plan to stop Olise
The decisive second leg on Wednesday, May 7, 2026, saw PSG employ a unique strategy to limit Olise’s influence. PSG goalkeeper Matvei Safonov was instructed to deliberately kick goal kicks out of play towards Olise’s side of the pitch. This seemingly counter-intuitive move aimed to create throw-in situations, which PSG then exploited to overload the right flank, outnumbering Olise and pressing him in tighter spaces.
The tactic was a direct response to Olise’s exceptional form, with the winger having registered an impressive 21 goals and 30 assists in 49 appearances this term before the semi-final. By forcing throw-ins, Enrique’s side could dictate the restart, ensuring Olise had less room to operate and fewer opportunities to create danger.
Fans quickly picked up on the unusual tactic. One observer noted, “Safonov is deliberately kicking every goal-kick to result in a Bayern throw-in, but always on Olise’s side. A throw-in on that side forces both teams to overload the right flank and leaves Olise in numerical inferiority and in tighter spaces. One of the reasons the Frenchman had a poor game today.” Another fan, commenting on the ingenuity, stated, “Safonov was instructed to deliberately goal-kick towards Olise’s area, asked to hit it super hard until it’s like a throw-in into the box. Why? So they can overload Olise’s side, making it way easier to press Olise. Honestly, this is brilliant!!!”
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PSG’s path to the final
The first leg in Paris had been a high-scoring affair, with PSG emerging 5-4 victors. In the second leg, PSG wasted no time in extending their lead, opening the scoring after just three minutes when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia assisted Ousmane Dembélé. Despite Bayern’s efforts, including a late goal from Harry Kane in second-half stoppage time, PSG held firm to secure their aggregate win. Defender Nuno Mendes also navigated most of the match on a yellow card, adding another layer of tension to PSG’s defensive efforts.
PSG will now face Arsenal in the Champions League final, which is scheduled to be held in Budapest, Hungary, on May 30. Their progression marks a significant achievement, reaching the pinnacle of European club football for the second season running, testament to both their squad depth and Luis Enrique’s tactical acumen.
Sources: www.sportbible.com
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