Manchester City Draws First Blood Against PSG

Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez were on target as Manchester City drew first blood after beating Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 away from home in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg tie at the Parc des Princes stadium.

In the build-up to the match, City coach Pep Guardiola commented about how Mbappe and Neymar had given him sleepless nights during his preparation for his first Champions League semi-final with City and the pair almost combined to score inside two minutes when Mbappe found Neymar who missed the target.

Neymar tested City goalkeeper Ederson again but the shoot-stopper was up to the task. However, Ederson had no chance as PSG took the lead when captain Marquinhos timed his run off Gundogan perfectly to head into the far corner from Angel Di Maria’s whipped corner.

City’s best moment of the opening 45 minutes came when the ball broke to Phil Foden just inside the box but he surprisingly fired his shot straight at PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

In the second half, City assumed control of possession and pressed for an equaliser as De Bruyne attempted a spectacular overhead kick on the hour mark, but missed. However, the Belgian equalised for the visitors with a strange goal.

De Bruyne clipped the ball into the penalty area  but rather than find a team-mate, his angled cross went straight through the penalty area and into the net, leaving Navas grounded and giving City a crucial away goal.

Seven minutes later, City were in front with a helping hand from the PSG wall.

• Read more: Chelsea Secures Vital Away Goal In Madrid

Presnel Kimpembe and Paredes were guilty of turning their backs as Mahrez struck his free-kick from 25 yards out and the ball went through the pair of them, leaving Navas no time to get across and make the save.

An impressive turn-around for Manchester City against a resilient PSG side.

In the 77th minute, City were given another gift when Gueye fouled Gundogan with a dangerous tackle from behind and was shown a straight red.

With a man advantage, City looked to close the tie in the first leg after chances from Foden, Mahrez and De Bruyne, but they couldn’t covert their chances. However, City saw the game out as the match finished 2-1 and Guardiola’s side took a big step towards the Champions League final.

Manchester City produce a superb second-half display to come from behind