Football fans were treated to an unforgettable spectacle as a dramatic nine-goal thriller in the UEFA Champions League semi-final delivered one of the most entertaining matches in recent history.

The game made history as the first European semi-final where both teams scored four or more goals, highlighting the incredible attacking quality on display.

After the match, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, who opened the scoring from the penalty spot, surprisingly praised the defensive efforts despite the high scoreline.

“Even though there were nine goals, there was some amazing defending out there,” Kane said, pointing to the quality of players involved and the difficulty defenders face against world-class attackers.

However, former England captain Wayne Rooney disagreed strongly with that assessment. He argued that the defending from both sides was poor, suggesting that attackers simply took advantage of defensive lapses.

“There’s no way he can be praising his defenders… the defending from both teams was really bad, if he’s being honest,” Rooney said, adding that both teams were so focused on attacking that they “forgot to defend.”

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany also weighed in, questioning criticism of the high-scoring nature of the game while acknowledging that the defensive display could have been better.

On the other side, Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique admitted that while his team secured the win, they could have managed the game better, especially after taking a commanding 5-2 lead.

“We are very happy to win, but after being 5-2 up you think you can have a better result,” he said, offering a balanced reflection on the chaotic encounter.

Pundits also shared mixed views. Jamie Carragher praised the attacking brilliance, suggesting it was nearly impossible to stop the goals due to the high quality of offensive play. Thierry Henry echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the risks taken by both teams made the match exciting and far from boring.

The match has sparked widespread debate among fans, many of whom described it as one of the greatest Champions League ties ever. Social media reactions highlighted the game’s end-to-end action, calling it a refreshing reminder of football at its most entertaining.

Ultimately, the thrilling contest showcased the beauty of attacking football, setting up an eagerly anticipated second leg as both sides continue their battle for a place in the final.

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