Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup after defeating Bayern Munich 2-0 in Atlanta. However, the match was overshadowed by a significant incident just before halftime, involving a collision between PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and Bayern midfielder Jamal Musiala.
As halftime approached, Donnarumma came out to gather the ball and collided with Musiala. The severity of Musiala`s injury was instantly clear, and Donnarumma appeared visibly distressed by the incident.
Musiala was stretchered off the pitch and is expected to miss at least four months due to a fractured fibula. The initial fears were worse, but tests confirmed the fibula fracture.
Following the match, Bayern captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer criticized Donnarumma`s actions. Neuer stated, “It wasn`t a necessary intervention like that. He took a risk and was prepared to accept the risk of injuring his opponent.”
Neuer added that he prompted Donnarumma to check on Musiala, saying, “I asked him: `Don`t you want to go and see our player?` It`s a matter of respect.” Donnarumma reportedly went to see Musiala afterward.
In contrast, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois defended Donnarumma. Courtois commented, “Blaming Donnarumma seems excessive to me. Goalkeepers are going to go for the ball. Forwards don`t hold back when they come towards us either. It was just bad luck. It likely pains Neuer more because it`s his teammate, but Donnarumma is not responsible.”
