Paris Saint-Germain secured their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup after defeating Bayern Munich 2-0 in Atlanta. Yet, the match may be more memorable for an incident just before halftime, when Gianluigi Donnarumma collided with Jamal Musiala.
As halftime approached, Donnarumma advanced to gather the ball, moving behind Musiala and colliding with the German midfielder. The seriousness of the Bayern Munich player`s injury was instantly clear, and Donnarumma appeared visibly upset and emotional.
Musiala was stretchered off the field. He is now expected to be out for at least four months due to a fractured fibula. Bayern Munich and others had initially feared a more severe outcome.
Manuel Neuer, Donnarumma`s counterpart, has since spoken out, criticising the Italian goalkeeper. In a post-match interview, the Bayern Munich captain stated, “It was a situation where such an intervention was not needed.”
Neuer added, “He took a chance. He was willing to risk injuring his opponent. I asked him: `Aren`t you going to check on our player?` It`s a matter of respect to go see him and wish him well. He then went over.”
Nonetheless, Courtois defended the PSG keeper. The Real Madrid goalkeeper commented, “In my view, blaming Donnarumma is excessive. Goalkeepers are always going for the ball. Attackers also don`t hold back when they challenge us. It was an unfortunate incident. It affects [Neuer] more because it`s his teammate, but Donnarumma is not to blame.”
