Lothar Matthäus says PSG was running on empty vs. Bayern Munich in first leg

TL;DR

Lothar Matthäus criticized PSG for being physically exhausted during their Champions League match against Bayern Munich, suggesting they struggled in the final minutes. He believes Bayern's stronger fitness gives them an advantage in the upcoming match.

Key points

Lothar Matthäus criticized PSG's physical condition
PSG struggled in the final minutes against Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich is seen as physically stronger
Injuries to Hakimi and Mendes could weaken PSG
Matthäus predicts Bayern will advance to the final

Mentioned in this story

Lothar Matthäus

Paris Saint-GermainBayern Munich

HAMBURG, GERMANY - APRIL 25: Sky TV expert Lothar Matthaeus is pictured during the Bundesliga match between Hamburger SV and TSG Hoffenheim at Volksparkstadion on April 25, 2026 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Selim Sudheimer/Getty Images) | Getty Images Bayern Munich and German national team legend Lothar Matthäus watched Bayern Munich’s 5-4 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in leg one of their Champions League tie and came away with a stunning conclusion — PSG was cooked. *Les Parisiens* were strong early in the match, but wore down by the end, which is something that Matthäus feels like could determine the match this time around. “I saw that Bayern were dominant, especially in the last 20 to 25 minutes. And if Bayern had finished off a few more attacks, they wouldn’t have had to lose the game. They made a very strong physical impression; they actually do that in every game,” Matthäus told Sky (as captured by Sport Bild). “In my view, they’re also physically stronger than PSG, who were defending with their tongues hanging out. And that’s why I believe Bayern — and I’m not being biased here, I’m just saying what I see and have seen this season—look more solid. At home, with that support, they also came back from a deficit against Madrid and advanced. That’s why I think Bayern Munich will win this game and make it to the final in Budapest. “I’m almost certain: PSG won’t be able to keep up this pace at the Allianz Arena for 90—or maybe even 120—minutes. Their defense isn’t that solid; they were running on empty by the end.” PSG’s defense could be worse this time around given the injury to and the banged-up status of , who was not great during the first leg anyway. For as much as some might doubt it, there is a pathway for the Bavarians to get to the UCL finale. *If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on , , , or any leading podcast distributor…*

Q&A

Why does Lothar Matthäus think PSG was exhausted against Bayern Munich?

Matthäus observed that PSG was physically worn out by the end of the match, particularly in the last 20 to 25 minutes, which he believes could impact their performance.

What injuries could affect PSG's defense in the next match against Bayern Munich?

Achraf Hakimi's injury and Nuno Mendes' poor form could weaken PSG's defense in the upcoming match.

What did Matthäus predict for Bayern Munich's chances in the Champions League?

Matthäus predicted that Bayern Munich would win the next match and advance to the final, citing their physical dominance and home advantage.

Lothar Matthäus says PSG was running on empty vs. Bayern Munich in first leg

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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