PSG V Man City 2021: Paris Saint-Germain stops the last season finalist with a statement win in the Champions League over Manchester City 2-0. Lionel Messi finally scores his first goal for PSG.
Provided the support from the fans at home turf, Paris Saint-Germain were impressive. However, they did not have so many opportunities as they have liked but victory eventually meant nothing less for them.
In just the 8th minute of the match, Paris midfielder, Idrissa Gueye gave his team an early lead. A dangerous cross from Mbappe which was low and straight towards Neymar who made a mess of it but Gueye latches on it in the top-right corner.
Man City having every chance in their favour but nothing fruitful. They should have leveled on multiple occasions but some drama kept them at bay.
It feels as though they still cannot believe Messi is a PSG player. But this was the night when he announced himself as one. After three largely underwhelming appearances for his new club and a niggling knee injury, He opens his PSG account. It was a top right corner finish assisted by Mbappe in the 74th minute.
This would go on to become an unreachable lead for the visitors. Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva came close but could not kill off the moment.
It is a huge win for the Paris side securing three crucial points from the first leg in group A of the Champions League.
Watch the highlights of PSG v Man City 2021 first leg Champions League, here
Pep Guardiola on Lionel Messi. PSG v Man City 2021.
“We dealt with PSG first of all, but we know it’s impossible to control Leo for 90 minutes,” Guardiola said.
“He was not much in touch with the ball – of course he was coming back from injury, he needed a bit of rhythm – but we know quite well when he can run and get close to the ball, he is unstoppable.
“What we have done is minimise, as much as possible, these kind of options and create the chances that we could create and I’m satisfied with the way we played.
“People can’t deny that we were there. We arrived here, we did our game, but it’s always a risk when you lose the ball and they can make one pass, especially with (Marco) Verratti, an exceptional, extraordinary player, and make contact with Neymar and Messi and they can run, it’s difficult.
“We did a really good game, but we should have scored goals and we didn’t do it. That’s why we lost.”
Guardiola added that he was “in love” with Italy midfielder Verratti, but it was inevitably Messi who took the plaudits.
Messi’s first PSG goal was the 673rd of his club career and his seventh against Manchester City in the Champions League, more than any other player, while the Argentinian now has seven goals against sides managed by Guardiola, also the most of any player.
“I wish him the best,” said Guardiola of his former Nou Camp star. “If he is happy and enjoying this period in Paris, I will be happy.”
“Now we are going to eat well tonight, we are going to drink a glass of wine, recover and then prepare for the game [at Liverpool] on Sunday.”
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