PSG vs Bayern Munich Starting Lineups are locked in as the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final kicks off tonight. Everything is set at the Parc des Princes; while PSG enter the clash fully healthy, Bayern Munich are set to miss at least five key players ahead of this massive encounter.
The wait is finally over. This Tuesday, April 28, 2026, reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain host Bayern Munich in a repeat of the 2020 final, but with a spot in the Budapest final on the line. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 CEST (8:00 PM BST / 3:00 PM ET).
This is one of the biggest European nights of the season — two attacking powerhouses, star-studded squads, and a place in the final in Budapest on the line.
With PSG looking to defend their title and Bayern chasing a first final since 2020, every selection matters. Here are the most likely starting lineups, key team news, tactical battles, and what to expect.
PSG vs Bayern Munich Starting Lineups
PSG Starting Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Matvey Safonov
- Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos (C), Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes
- Midfielders: João Neves, Vitinha, Warren Zaïre-Emery (or Fabián Ruiz)
- Forwards: Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
- Injury News: Only teenage forward Quentin Ndjantou is confirmed out
Luis Enrique’s side has been in ruthless form. The front three of Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia (a big-money winter arrival), and Doué offer terrifying pace and creativity on the break. Hakimi and Mendes provide width and overlapping runs that can stretch any defense.
Team News for PSG:
- Vitinha is a doubt with a heel issue — João Neves or Fabián Ruiz may step in.
- Quentin Ndjantou remains sidelined.
- Otherwise, Enrique has a nearly full-strength squad. Marquinhos and Pacho form a solid central defensive partnership.
Bayern Munich Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer (C)
- Defenders: Josip Stanišić, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Konrad Laimer
- Midfielders: Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović
- Attackers: Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, Luis Díaz
- Striker: Harry Kane
- Injury News: Out: Serge Gnabry (adductor), Raphael Guerreiro (hamstring), Tom Bischof (muscle), and Lennart Karl (thigh).
Vincent Kompany’s Bayern have been on a strong unbeaten run. Harry Kane remains the focal point, while the attacking trio of Olise, Musiala, and Luis Díaz (recent arrival) brings flair, dribbling, and directness. The midfield duo of Pavlović and Kimmich offers control and progressive passing.
Team News for Bayern:
- Vincent Kompany is unavailable for the touchline (suspension or personal reasons reported in some previews).
- Serge Gnabry, Tom Bischof, and Sven Ulreich are out injured.
- Alphonso Davies and others may feature from the bench for impact.
Key Tactical Battles to Watch
- Hakimi vs Díaz / Olise — PSG’s right side is explosive, but Bayern’s wing threats can isolate defenders.
- Kane vs Marquinhos/Pacho — The England captain’s movement and finishing will test PSG’s high line.
- Midfield Control — Zaïre-Emery’s energy vs Kimmich and Pavlović’s composure. Whoever wins the midfield battle likely controls the tempo.
- Set Pieces — Both sides are dangerous aerially. Expect tight marking on Kane and Marquinhos.
Head-to-Head Context
Bayern hold the edge historically with 9 wins to PSG’s 7 across 16 meetings (no draws). Bayern have won the last five UCL encounters, including a 2-1 victory at Parc des Princes in the 2025 league phase. However, PSG are the defending champions and have looked formidable at home this season.
The tie is finely balanced. PSG will want a strong first-leg lead at home, while Bayern will look to stay compact, hit on the counter, and take a positive result back to the Allianz Arena for the second leg on May 6.
How to Watch PSG vs Bayern Munich
- Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
- Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris
- Kick-off: 21:00 CEST / 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET
- Referee: Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
This semi-final promises goals, drama, and world-class football. Will PSG’s attacking stars shine under the Paris lights, or can Bayern’s experience and Kane’s clinical finishing turn the tide?
Match Prediction
Paris Saint-Germain are slight favorites to win on the night due to home advantage, and Bayern Munich are widely favored to advance to the final over the two legs.
A high-scoring thriller — PSG 2-1 Bayern Munich in the first leg feels likely, but nothing is certain in the Champions League.