Kimmich remains optimistic of Bayern progression despite first-leg defeat

Kimmich remains optimistic of Bayern progression despite first-leg defeat

Even though Bayern Munich suffered a 5-4 defeat in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, Joshua Kimmich remains optimistic ahead of next week’s return leg in Munich.

“It feels strange because, of course, we lost by one goal, and yet I was sitting there in the dressing room feeling there’s still something possible,” Kimmich told Prime Video (via FCBinside).

PSG were awarded a controversial penalty, which Ousmane Dembélé converted to make it 3-2, after the ball struck Alphonso Davies’ arm just before half-time.

Kimmich said he hadn't seen the incident again, but was critical of the decision.

“I think the rule could be adjusted so that not every handball in the box is a penalty,” he said.

“We showed a very good reaction”

Despite trailing 5–2 at one stage, Bayern showed character to fight their way back into the match – something that leaves Kimmich confident ahead of the second leg.

“We showed a very good reaction at least,” he said.

“You were standing on the pitch thinking, wow, what is going on here, because we were definitely not three goals worse.”

The task is now clear: Bayern must win the return leg to reach the final, and Kimmich believes they can do it.

“You do feel that there is still something in it, even if we lost the first leg unluckily,” he said.

“I do believe we can win. The situation is simple. We have to win, and in the end we will do everything to make sure we do.”