UEFA Champions League 2017/18: PSG 3-0 Bayern Munich, 5 Talking Points

PSG shocked quite a few as they put three goals past Bundesliga holders Bayern Munich at Parc des Princes. Dani Alves opened the scoring for the Ligue 1 table-toppers in just the second minute of the game. The right-back turned the ball into the net with the side of his foot after Neymar Jr. had turned provider with the cross.

Edinson Cavani doubled the lead for the Parisians with a superb finish just after the half-hour mark from a Kylian Mbappe assist. Less than 20 minutes into the second half, the teenager was denied from close range but the ball was still in play, in the box. Neymar scored from the resultant mix-up within the Bayern defence.

For the visitors, Javi Martinez came close to scoring -- on more than one occasion -- but could not take his chances. Kingsley Coman also tested the home defence late on, but the French side stood their ground to bag all 3 points.

#5 Kylian Mbappe has hit the ground running

The French teenager lit up the Parc des Princes with his performance and deservedly received a standing ovation when he was substituted late in the second half.

He was at the heart of most of the creativity PSG conjured up. His pace and dribbles proved to be a handful for the Bayern defenders as he got in behind them repeatedly, with ease.

Mbappe, who is on loan from Monaco, looks to have started the season exactly from where he left off in 2016/17. He may not have had his name on the score-sheet but it was his vision, intelligence and pass that delivered it on a platter to Cavani for PSG's second.

Neymar's goal was also a consequence of his relentless pursuit of the ball and ability to closely control it. Sven Ulreich saved his shot but the defenders were dragged out of position by his dynamism and speed, making it that much easier for Neymar to slot the ball in the net.

This kid is here to stay and wow; he is no one-season wonder.

#4 Neymar and Cavani bury differences, star for the hosts

Neymar scored one and assisted another in a crucial fixture against Bayern Munich

PSG's league fixture last week against Lyon saw Neymar and Cavani haggling over penalty duties. As seems to be the norm these days, rumour mills went on the overkill and doubts were cast regarding the players' ability to gel together in the team and function as a unit.

If this game was an evidence of how well they could gel, Unai Emery will certainly be a pleased man; the two played a role in all three of the goals on the night.

Cavani scored the second of the three, after being involved in the build-up play and exchanging passes with Mbappe. Guess what? The celebrations included Neymar.

PSG's number 9 also dropped deeper and helped his side defensively, especially in the second half of the game. The Uruguayan could have had a hat-trick on the night, but his contribution all over the pitch was immense despite having only one goal to his name.

Neymar's hunger to become the best player in the world was on full display. He hustled and pressed Bayern into ceding possession as well as drew key fouls with his skilful movements. The Brazilian linked up superbly with compatriot Dani Alves to give his side a crucial lead within a couple of minutes of kick-off. He also got into exciting, goal-scoring positions after being involved in some slick passing with Mbappe.

He shot wide from the French youngster's through-ball but found Cavani's shoulder to lean on immediately after. When he finally scored, there were hugs involved - and no prizes for guessing the recipients (every single one of them got it, Cavani included).

#3 Bayern's profligacy in front of goal proves costly

Robert Lewandowski

The Germans were abysmal in the opposition third and it was not for the want of trying.

They had a lion's share of the possession (62 percent overall) and attempted 16 shots on goal (vs. PSG's 12). 7 of these were on target (compared to PSG's 5) but none eventually mattered as the home side battered them.

Javi Martinez came within a whisker of equalising for the visitors -- heading from a corner -- just a few minutes after PSG had taken the lead. A few minutes later, the centre-back's powerful shot forced a superb save from Alphonse Areola as Bayern once again scuppered a chance to draw level.

Robert Lewandowski lurked in the penalty area and put in a shift but could not place his header sweetly enough away from the PSG keeper.

Thomas Muller, Kingsley Coman, Sebastian Rudy and David Alaba all had efforts on goal at various stages during the game but none of them made it count. Coman had a feeble shout for a penalty turned down by the referee after he claimed contact with Dani Alves.

It summed up the visitors' night; their profligacy was in stark contrast to PSG's performance and the team that wanted it more won.

#2 The PSG defence proves they have it in them to go all the way

Thiago Silva put on a captain's display against Bayern

For all the billions that have been spent by the Parisian side's owners so far, European success has continued to elude them. Their best performance? A few quarter-final appearances; certainly not good enough for a side that aspires to be mentioned in the same league as Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The acquisitions of Neymar and Mbappe was a mark of intent, a statement to clubs worldwide that PSG have arrived. However, European success is rarely achieved simply by outscoring opponents. There is a measure of tactical brilliance associated with it as the best managers' wits are pitted against each other in the competition.

There is also a degree of defensive solidity that is desirable, often essential, to be continental champions. On that count, Thiago Silva and co. bossed it against Bayern Munich.

While the visitors were definitely wasteful with their chances, PSG did not make it easy for them to have a go. The captain led by example, clearing the ball out of sight -- even off the goal-line in one instance, and also gave an earful to his teammates who failed to clear it when in a dangerous position.

Kurzawa was a treat on the left while Adrien Rabiot and Thiago Motta were efficient. Alves, of course, was his assured self and contributed more in the final third than his own.

Emery's side functioned as a well-oiled unit, a perfect reaction to the goalless draw at Montpellier last Saturday.

Whisper it, but this French side look like they have it in them to go the distance - not just in the domestic league but Europe as well.

#1 Bayern were a shadow of themselves

Did the former Real Madrid boss get his team and tactics wrong tonight?

When the draws for the group were made, one could be forgiven for assuming automatically that PSG and Bayern would qualify at the expense of Celtic and Anderlecht.

Carlo Ancelotti and his side, however, are intent on making life difficult for themselves. It was a surprising decision to start Niklas Sule and Javi Martinez in defence last night, ahead of Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng, with the latter not even making the squad.

PSG's attacking trio were superb but the Germans' defence cannot be absolved of all blame. Sule could barely keep Neymar and Mbappe in check; he was ball-watching for the Brazilian's goal after latter's shot had been cleared by the keeper.

Emery and co.'s win means they're 3 points clear at the top of the group while Bayern are tied on points with Celtic, following the latter's away win at Anderlecht last night.

Brendan Rodgers' men have just gone a season unbeaten and bar the drubbing inflicted by PSG, haven't had much to worry about. On the other hand, Muller and co's domestic form is worrisome (they are third in the Bundesliga behind Dortmund and Hoffenheim).

Bayern's tonight's loss at the Parc des Princes is a serious threat to their qualification; would the Scottish team fancy themselves at the expense of the Germans? Yes.

P.S. Watch out Arsenal.