Two clubs aiming for their first UEFA Champions League title meet in the semi-finals as Paris Saint-Germain take on Manchester City. The two continental giants lock horns in the first leg of their semi-final at the Parc des Princes tonight at 7:00 pm.
While enjoying plenty of domestic success in recent years, both clubs have found European glory harder to come by. Paris did reach last season’s final for the first time only to lose to Bayern München. Conversely, City are at this stage for only the second time in their last three campaigns. Both clubs overcame German opposition to set up this semi-final. Paris gained a measure of revenge by defeating Bayern while City got the better of Borussia Dortmund.
Paris SG will be looking to make home advantage count as they take on City for the 4th time in European competition. PSG are also aiming to become the ninth team to make back-to-back finals. The Parisians will be able to count on the effectiveness of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr as they look for their first win against the English side. Meanwhile, Pochettino has revealed that only left-back Juan Bernat and reserve goalkeeper Alexandre Letellier will be unavailable.
Moreover, Neymar has warned Manchester City he intends to “do everything” to fire Paris St Germain to Champions League glory.
“We are going to do everything in our power to beat Manchester City. I will do everything, professionally speaking, to win this game. My main objective is the Champions League and not the Ballon d’Or. That is not my main priority.”
Neymar, PSG.
Manchester City to Enjoy the Pressure
Pep Guardiola has told his players to enjoy the pressure if they are to be successful against PSG in the semi-final clash. He believes it is important to embrace the magnitude of the occasion and the challenge posed by the opposition. He said it is important City relish rather than worry about the size of the task in front of them.
“We know we are going to suffer in both games and they will have chances,” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference.
“I know the weapons they have. Every person who loves football, everyone knows the quality they have. We are not going to deny that. But we are in the semi-final of the Champions League, what do we expect? To play against average players? Of course not.
“I learned from Johan Cruyff, enjoy the game. Enjoy the responsibility. Enjoy the pressure. That is elite.”
Pep Guardiola, City’s Coach.
Pep confirmed that City have a fully fit squad to face Paris in the first leg. However, Defender John Stones is back in contention after being suspended at Wembley at the weekend.
Key Facts and Head-to-Head Stats
Paris SG are winless in their previous three matches with Manchester City in European competition (D2 L1). Manchester City eliminated Paris SG in their only previous knockout tie meeting in European football. City progressed on a 3-2 aggregate in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final in 2015-16, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring the winner in the second leg at the Etihad.
Paris SG are looking to reach their second consecutive UEFA Champions League final. Paris SG would therefore become the third Ligue 1 club to reach multiple finals if they overcome City. Meanwhile, City are bidding to become the 42nd club to reach the European Cup final. They’ve only gone on to reach the final once, winning their only European trophy to date in the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1970.
Manchester City have won nine of their 10 UEFA Champions League games this season (D1). This is two more than any of the other three semi-finalists (Chelsea, 7). City’s record against French clubs is W4 D3 L3, with 19 goals scored and 15 conceded.
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