Riyad Mahrez Fires Manchester City Into Champions League Final
Manchester City reached the Champions League final for the first time in its history after Riyad Mahrez’s double secured a 2-0 victory (4-1 on aggregate) against 10-man Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Etihad Stadium.
Kevin De Bruyne started up front as the false striker with Phil Foden and Algerian Riyad Mahrez supporting on the wings. Neymar started for PSG, while star striker Kylian Mbappe could only make the bench after passing a late fitness test.
PSG were awarded a penalty after Oleksandr Zinchenko appeared to handle the ball, however, the referee overturned the decision. City then took the lead in the 11th minute after De Bruyne’s blocked shot was tapped in by Mahrez who beat goalkeeper Keylor Navas from a tight angle.
PSG then threw men forward as they pushed to get back into the game and they went close on two occasions as Marquinhos’ looped header clipped the crossbar. Angel Di Maria then shot wide of an open goal after Bernardo Silva was dispossessed following Ederson’s poor roll out.
PSG continued to press but there was no way through City’s stubborn defence as the score was 1-0 to City at half-time. After the break, PSG continued where they left off attacking the City defence. However, Guardiola’s men defended superbly, blocking goal-bound chances from Neymar and Ander Herrera .
In the 63rd minute, City caught PSG on the counter-attack as Foden exchanged passes with De Bruyne before sending a low ball into the area for Mahrez to convert at the far post, making it 2-0 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate.
It was a fatal blow for the French side and their frustrations showed as Angel Di Maria was sent off for a kick out on Fernandinho as he went to retrieve the ball for a throw-in.
City could have scored more as the impressive Foden hit the post and saw another late strike saved by Navas as City won the match 2-0 ( 4-1 on aggregate) to cap off a famous victory at the Etihad.
⏰ RESULT ⏰
