Paris Saint-Germain welcomed an unwanted valentine guest on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League as German Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich visited Parc De Princes for the first leg of their round of 16 encounter.

The French champions knew that a win was non-negotiable, but they already had it the hard way with Kylian Mbappe unfit for a start. At the same time, Messi only made the starting lineup after missing the team’s 3-1 loss to Monaco at the weekend due to fitness issues.

Neymar and Messi tried to drive the team’s style of play in the first half, but they failed to create the scoring chance that could hurt Bayern Munich.

Bayern Munich also had their chances with Jamal Musiala and Kingsley Coman troubling the defence of Paris Saint-Germain, led by highly experienced and veteran defender Sergio Ramos.

After a goalless first half, Kingsley Coman opened the scoring and eventually got the winning goal for the visitors in the 53rd minute of the game.

Although PSG tried to get the equalizer, Bayern Munich had done enough to secure the victory and return to Germany for the second leg with the advantage despite finishing the game with ten men due to Benjamin Pavard’s late red card.

PSG have now won five, drawn one, and lost five of their 11 games in all competitions in 2023 so far, which is a contrast to their pre-world cup form, which saw them unbeaten in 23 games in all competitions.

Meanwhile, in Milan, an early goal from Brahim Diaz in the seventh minute was enough for AC Milan to get a first-leg win at San Siro.

Brahim Diaz bundled home from close range after having his initial strike parried by Tottenham goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

More UEFA Champions League action continues on Wednesday, with Borussia Dortmund welcoming Chelsea to the Signal Iduna Park while Club Brugge hosts Benfica.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu