The group stage encounter yesterday threw up a repeat of last season’s semi-final, between PSG and Manchester City. The latter had triumphed in the semi-final, winning both legs of the tie to set up an all English final against Chelsea. But last night, it was the Parisians who came out on top, earning a hard-fought 2-0 win.
PSG off to a flying start
PSG started with their formidable front three of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Neymar, but it was the midfielder Idrissa Gueye who opened the scoring eight minutes in. Mbappé’s cutback was scuffed by Neymar, but it fell nicely for Gueye, who clinically dispatched the ball into the top corner. Man City then responded with sustained pressure and Bernardo Silva should have levelled the matters. Kevin De Bruyne’s stabbed cross was headed onto the bar by Raheem Sterling, leaving Silva with an open goal to tap in. But he somehow managed to hit the bar too and then appealed for a penalty as he stumbled trying to make up for his howler.
PSG almost doubled their lead through another midfielder Ander Herrera. Mbappé found him on the edge of the area, but he opted for power and fired a shot close enough to Ederson. City then tested Gianluigi Donnarumma once again when Rubén Dias managed to lose his marker. But his near post header was comfortably parried by the goalkeeper, who was making his Champions League debut.
Second half
Sterling should have done better immediately after the restart but dragged his shot wide, while De Bruyne stung the legs of Donnarumma. Man City worked hard to force the issue but were unable to break down PSG’s stoic backline and an inspired Donnarumma. They were soon rewarded for their hard work thanks to a moment of magic from Messi. After a trademark run through the midfield, he played a lovely one-two with Mbappé and then arrowed in a left-footed shot into the top corner. Everyone knew the outcome once Messi lined up the shot, none more so than Ederson, who could just watch the ball fly past him.
City kept pushing but a goal looked unlikely as PSG celebrated Messi’s first goal for them and inflicted City’s first group stage defeat since 2018. The case of missing a ruthless striker will grow stronger against Man City who lacked that edge when it came to finishing chances. PSG moved top of Group A, while City dropped to third, behind Club Brugge.