Paris Saint-Germain claimed a crucial first-leg advantage in their UEFA Champions League semi-final after defeating Bayern Munich 5-4 in one of the most extraordinary European nights the Parc des Princes has ever hosted.

The French champions now carry a one-goal lead into the return fixture in Munich, setting up what promises to be another explosive encounter next week.

It was Bayern who drew first blood, taking the lead in the 17th minute to silence the home crowd, but PSG responded with characteristic urgency levelling before the half-hour mark and then striking twice more either side of the 33rd and 45th minutes to lead 3-2 at the interval. The first half alone was enough to leave supporters breathless, with both sides committing fully to attack from the opening whistle.

Luis Enrique’s men came out with even greater intent after the break. Two rapid-fire goals in the 56th and 58th minutes pushed PSG into a seemingly unassailable 5-2 lead. But Bayern, stubborn and relentless as ever, refused to accept their fate. Goals in the 65th and 68th minutes hauled the Germans back to 5-4, and the final twenty minutes were played out in a state of barely contained panic inside the Parc des Princes.

PSG ultimately held on, finishing the night with 14 shots to Bayern’s 10, though it was the Germans who edged possession at 54 percent a statistic that underlines just how dangerous Vincent Kompany’s side remained even when chasing the game. Harry Kane led the Bayern charge up front, and his presence will make the return leg in the Allianz Arena a daunting proposition for the Parisians.

With the second leg scheduled for May 6 in Munich, PSG’s one-goal cushion feels both precious and fragile. Bayern have shown they can score freely against any opposition, and a side that netted four times in a losing effort at the Parc des Princes will fancy their chances of overturning the deficit on home soil. For now though, the advantage belongs to Paris and what an advantage it was to earn.