Bayern Munich's Champions League journey came to a disappointing end after a tense semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. Following the 1-1 draw in the second leg, which saw PSG advance on aggregate, manager Vincent Kompany voiced his strong displeasure with the match officials.
In his post-match comments, Kompany pointed to a specific incident he believes was decisive. He argued that PSG defender Nuno Mendes should have received a second yellow card for a challenge on Bayern's Konrad Laimer. According to the manager, this would have resulted in Mendes being sent off, fundamentally altering the course of the match.
"Congratulations to Paris Saint-Germain. We played two very even matches," Kompany stated, as reported by L'Équipe. "As for the referee's decisions, there are grounds for protest. Nuno Mendes should have received a second yellow card and, accordingly, been sent off in the episode with Laimer."
The draw in the second leg was not enough for Bayern, who were eliminated from the competition. PSG, having secured their place in the final, will now face Arsenal for the trophy. The decisive match of this season's Champions League is scheduled to take place on May 30, 2026, at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.
Kompany's critique adds a layer of controversy to what was a closely contested tie between two European giants. While he acknowledged the quality of the opposition, his focus remained firmly on the officiating, suggesting that a different decision could have led to a different outcome.
The result marks the end of a European campaign for Bayern, while PSG moves one step closer to claiming the continent's most prestigious club prize. The final against Arsenal promises to be a thrilling encounter, but the debate over the semi-final refereeing is likely to continue.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.