Manchester City have nicked two crucial away goals from the first leg of their quarter-final match against PSG in Paris. The Premier League outfit need to stay composed over the next ninety minutes in order to reach the first ever European semi-final in the history of the club.
The English side drew first blood in the 38th minute through Kevin de Bruyne. Joe Hart also played an important part for City in the 2 – 2 draw. England’s number 1 saved Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s penalty in the 14th minute, allowing his side to play without pressure. But a dreadful howler from Fernando in the 41st minute allowed Ibrahimovic to cancel out Man City’s lead.
The Ligue 1 outfit took the lead at the hour-mark courtesy of a goal by Rabiot. However, Fernandinho equalized for the visitors in the 72nd minute. Manuel Pellegrini was pleased with his team’s performance at Parc des Princes but the Chilean insists that his team are not the favourites despite being in a good position prior to the home leg of the tie.
“No, we’re not favourites. Not before this game and not after,” Pellegrini said.
“Between big teams you never have a favourite. It will still be open.”
“We must not talk about a semi-final,” said the 62-year-old manager.
“We must play the second leg not thinking we are already qualified. When we qualify, we can talk about other things.”
Paris Saint Germain boss Laurent Blanc is confident that his side can create problems for the hosts of the second leg.
“What I will take from this game? It’s not the first time we’ve conceded at home,” Blanc said.
“We always concede at home but in the past we’ve proven that we can score away.”
Manchester City’s home record in the league isn’t top notch by any means. The cash-rich PSG definitely have a better squad than the Citizens but anything can happen in the coming ninety minutes at the Eithad.
PSG need to attack, City will try and keep it tight and hope one goal will be enough, but I feel PSG are the slightly better team and I think they are value to win the fixture.
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PSG to WIN, best odds 2.6 @ Betfred
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