PSG host Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes for the first leg of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals.

The defending champions PSG beat Liverpool in the last round with ease, while Bayern overcame Real Madrid challenge in dramatic fashion to seal their place in the semifinals.

Managers Luis Enrique and the suspended Vincent Kompany face significant selection decisions that will define the tactical narrative of the match.

PSG vs Bayern Munich Team News

Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain’s lineup is bolstered by the expected return of Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz. Enrique is expected to deploy a 4-3-3 formation. In goal, Safonov continues to start. The defensive line will feature Hakimi and Mendes, with Marquinhos and Pacho forming a central partnership. The midfield is expected to see Vitinha orchestrate play alongside Ruiz and Neves.

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich is likely to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation. Manuel Neuer will lead the side from the back, supported by a central defensive duo of Upamecano and Tah. The full-back positions will be occupied by Stanisic and Laimer. The double-pivot of Pavlovic and Kimmich will provide the screen for the defense, while the creative trio of Olise, Musiala, and Diaz will support Harry Kane.

PSG vs Bayern Munich Tactical Setup

The tactical battle at the Parc des Princes will hinge on midfield control and transition speed, contrasting Luis Enrique’s possession-heavy philosophy with Bayern’s lethal counter-attacking structure under Vincent Kompany.

PSG will operate in their customary 4-3-3, relying heavily on their wingers Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to cut inside and combine with the midfield. Bayern’s double-pivot of Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic will be tasked with dropping deep to cover these half-spaces, while full-backs Stanisic and Laimer must maintain strict discipline to avoid being isolated 1-on-1.

When Bayern wins the ball, their transition will be lightning-fast. Harry Kane will frequently drop deep into the midfield to drag Marquinhos or Willian Pacho out of position. This tactical nuance is designed to create gaping holes in the PSG backline for the blistering pace of Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, and Luis Diaz to exploit on the break.

PSG vs Bayern Munich Predicted XI Line-up

Paris Saint-Germain: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia

Bayern Munich: Neuer; Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer; Pavlovic, Kimmich; Olise, Musiala, Diaz; Kane