CHOUPO’S IN BUT BAYERN GET CHOPPED

3-3 on aggregate, PSG win on away goals

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN held on to clinch a place in the Champions League semi-finals – on a night when Neymar stole the show as the holders bowed out.

Former Stoke City striker Eric Choupo-Moting gave Bayern Munich hope with a goal after 40 minutes.

But brilliant Brazilian Neymar hit the woodwork twice as PSG tormented Bayern on the break.

It was the French team’s gritty defending that really earned them their place in the last four, where they will now face either Manchester City or Borussia Dortmund.

In the end it was PSG’s three goals, two of them netted by the superb Kylian Mbappe in Munich, which proved decisive. And they celebrated wildly (above) at the final whistle.

Last night though, Mbappe had to take a supporting role to the unstoppable Neymar.

Bayern pressed and pressed but could only find the back of the PSG net once, when Choupo-Moting bundled the ball in.

But it was not enough for Bayern and PSG had their revenge for their defeat in last year’s final.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men got off to a blistering start at the Parc des Princes as Mbappe shot just wide.

Hansi Flick’s side impressed but Leroy Sane and Joshua Kimmich both wasted good chances.

And PSG were devastating on the break. First Mbappe broke clear and pulled the ball back but Manuel Neuer foiled Neymar. Then Neuer saved superbly from the South American but could do nothing when Neymar stepped inside and clipped the bar.

Neuer was beaten again as the brilliant Neymar slid the ball past him – only to hit the post.

But against the run of play, Bayern struck. Keylor Navas could only parry David Alaba’s shot and ChoupoMoting nodded home.

It was frantic stuff at the end, Bayern pushing for a second goal to send them through and PSG threatening to score on the break. mirror.co.uk/sport/football