EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

PSG 1-2 Manchester City: Post-match analysis and Notable performances

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Manchester City surprised the footballing world on Wednesday with a splendid 2-1 victory over PSG at the Parc des Princes. 

Marquinhos’ goal in the 15th minute started the match between the two big clubs. The defender could count on the decisive pass of Angel Di Maria. The captain was there to put Paris on the way to the Champions League final.  

In the second half the Cityzens took the lead. The English club had the ball much more in the second half. They finally managed to set up their team game and managed to equalize after one hour of play.

The ever reliant Kevin De Bruyne equalized the tie. And then with 20 minutes to go the Algerian Riyad Mahrez scored a stunning freekick to give the away side the lead. However, this crucial victory allowed PSG to get a first impression of Manchester City’ game.

PSG 1-2 Manchester City Team News:

PSG manager, Mauricio Pochettino opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation. He made two changes in total, all in the second half. However, he waited 80 minutes before making changes on the field which might have contributed to PSG losing the crucial home tie.

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola settled on a 4-3-3 formation. However, he didn’t play with an out-and-out striker, he instead played Kevin De Bruyne in the false nine role. He made only one change in the 61st minute where he replaced a poor Joao Cancelo to bring in Oleksandr Zinchenko.

PSG 1-2 Manchester City Post-Match Analysis:

PSG dominated the first half. Marquinhos opened the goalscoring door for the home side in the 15th minute. However, they took their foot off of the gas pedal after scoring and invited pressure onto themselves.

This backfired when the score was equalized after the time half by Manchester City. Kevin De Bruyne scored at the 64th minutes with a half cross half shot which was completely misjudged by Keylor Navas.

During the second half, Manchester City pressed PSG and kept firing at their backline in hopes that something will hit the back of the net. Hence, 20 minutes before the end on the match, Riyad Mahrez scored thanks to his free kick. Unlike the first goal, this was due to the freekick wall having a gap through which Mahrez squeezed the ball.

Notable performances

Kevin De Bruyne (Man of the match) – (9/10): Despite a shot that was a little bit dangerous, he scored the equalizer for Manchester City in the 60th minute of this semi-final. 

Riyad Mahrez – (8.5/10): Scored a goal in the 70th minute with his free kick. Was a constant threat to the PSG backline with his skills and dribbling.

Marquihnos – (6/10): Allowed Paris Saint-Germain to start the game with the advantage, an advantage that will be quickly taken over by Manchester City.

After these intense performances from both sides, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain will meet again for the second leg of the Champions League semi-final on May 4 in Manchester.

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