Challenger Vs. Challenger- Two Of The Best Go Head To Head

 OUR 4 TALKING POINTS AS PSG BEAT CITY 2-0

-Mihir Mehta

-Editor: Mitansh Kagalwala

Photo Via: uefa.com

Manchester City rolled up to the Parc Des Princes ready to repeat what they did in last year’s semi-final, but fell 2-0 to PSG’s expensively assembled squad. Idrissa Gana Gueye was an unlikely source of the opener, before Leo Messi wrapped things up with a left-footed curler to score his first goal in Paris colours, after playing a one-two with Kylian Mbappe, a goal reminiscent of his time at Barca.

1.     1. Preview of what is to come? Lionel Messi finally got off the mark for PSG as the MNM trio took the field together for only the second time. Messi’s start to life in France wasn’t the best, with no goal contributions up to this point, albeit hitting the woodwork several times. This match changed that. Though patchy at times, MNM looked comfortable with each other, and showed real chemistry. They tormented the City backline with their fluid movement, flair and speed. Considering this is only their second game together, the rest of Europe will only be able to watch in fear, once MNM get their chemistry going.

2.     2. Abu Derby: This was an encounter between the two most valuable squads in the world, with PSG and City having a combined value of nearly 2 billion euros. The match termed as the “Abu Derby” or “Oil Classico” by many, did not disappoint. With the quick pace of football and the struggle between the two best teams in Europe, the game lived up to its billing. One team had to come out on top and it was PSG with its high-profile new signings that made the cut.

3.     3. Miss of the season? Man City had one of the best chances to level the scores in the 26th minute with an open net, two yards out and a fallen keeper. Bernardo Silva only had to nudge it into the goal and the deed would be done. Alas, the story plays out quite differently. The ball came off of the post and the rest is a horror story. An early equalizer would have changed the game completely, swinging the momentum in City’s favour, and we would probably be seeing a different outcome if Silva had managed to score.

4.     4. Midfield Brilliance: In a team comprising of Leo Messi and Neymar, it would take some player to even be in with a shout of being the best on the ball. Marco Verratti has gone further, and put forward his claim to that title against City. The Italian was imperious in midfield, and his press resistance is something to wonder at. Often, it seemed as though the ball was stuck to his feet. It takes a complete team to beat this City side, and, as high as the hype for MNM was, it was PSG’s midfield and defence who delivered them this win, and it was Marco Verratti who was the best player on the pitch. 


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