Paris Saint-Germain 1-2 Manchester City: De Bruyne and Mahrez complete impressive comeback
April 28, 2021 21:33 MYT
Manchester City produced a sensational second-half turnaround to seize control of their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez getting the goals in a 2-1 first-leg triumph.
A pulsating contest at the Parc des Princes saw PSG take a 15th minute lead when captain Marquinhos – returning to action from a groin injury – headed in at a corner.
However, having been second best during the first half, City were vastly improved after the break, an equaliser arriving when De Bruyne's curling delivery into the penalty area drifted beyond everybody to find the net.
An 18th straight away triumph for Pep Guardiola's side was secured courtesy of a Mahrez free-kick that found a gap in the wall and, having lost control of the game, PSG then lost their cool in the closing stages, Idrissa Gueye shown a straight red for a dangerous challenge on Ilkay Gundogan.
47 - In the history of the European Cup/UEFA Champions League, there have been 47 instances before tonight of an English side winning the first leg of a two-legged knockout tie away from home, and on all 47 occasions the English side has progressed. Legwork. #UCL pic.twitter.com/QtWjT41QK8
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 28, 2021
There had been little sign of the drama to come at half-time. The hosts were deservedly ahead after Marquinhos – who had not played since scoring in a 3-2 win over Bayern Munich in the quarter-final first leg – had flicked in a deliciously whipped-in delivery from Angel Di Maria.
While there is still work to do back in Manchester, a first-ever Champions League final appearance for the club is within City's grasp thanks to an unforgettable night in Paris.
What does it mean? Anyone for a treble?
Key Opta Facts
- PSG suffered defeat when leading at half-time in the Champions League for the first time since March 2001 against Deportivo La Coruna.
- Marquinhos is only the third player in Champions League history to score in the quarter-final and semi-final in consecutive seasons, after Cristiano Ronaldo (2011-12 - 2013-14) and Antoine Griezmann (2015-16, 2016-17).
- De Bruyne has been directly involved in nine goals in his last eight Champions League appearances in the knockout stage (5 goals, 4 assists).
- Di Maria is the only player to register double figures for assists in the Champions League (10). Since his debut season in 2007-08, only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo (34 each) have more assists than Di Maria (31).
- De Bruyne became the fourth different player to score in three consecutive Champions League matches against PSG, after Lionel Messi, Marcus Rashford (3 each) and Neymar (4).
What's next?