Man City beats PSG: 5 Talking points from Man City win over PSG in UCL.
Man City beats PSG: Manchester City is still too strong for PSG. Pep Guardiola’s troops stepped convincingly into the 2020/21 Champions League final 4-1 on aggregate.
Wednesday (5/5/2021), Man City beat PSG 2-0 in the semifinal second leg duel at the Etihad Stadium. This score completes Man City’s 2-1 victory in the last first leg.
Man City and Guardiola can party as this their first Champions League final in history, a sweet cut in Pep’s career.
Man City still have to wait for the results of the Chelsea vs Real Madrid duel tonight to prepare to face their opponents in the final.
Besides that, there are at least 5 other interesting lessons from this match. Anything?
Also Read:Â Man City beat PSG: Manchester City creates history, qualifies for maiden UCL final
Also Read:Â Manchester City reaches for UCL Final, ticket & Statement from UEFA, Check out
PSG stalemate
PSG played quite well in the first half, but conceded a fatal goal in the 11th minute. Afterwards Man City changed the game, letting PSG carry the ball.
Even so, the game is still controlled by Man City. PSG brings the ball, but that doesn’t mean they are in control of the match. Man City applies a high defensive line to suppress PSG. As a result, PSG’s attacks were too easy to break and looked fragile.
Man City Defense
Guardiola deserves praise for insisting on signing Ruben Dias last summer. The result was extraordinary, Man City’s defense increased dramatically.
The duet of Dias and John Stones in this match was so tough in neutralizing PSG’s cross and set-pieces threats. Dias defensive style is also unique, he positions his body very well. Then there’s Kyle Walker and Zinhencko on either side. Not to mention Fernandinho and Gundogan who also resigned.
In short, in the match, Man City was completely impenetrable.
Anyone can score goals
Guardiola chose a 4-4-2 formation without a striker in this match. Since the beginning of 2021, seeing Man City play without a striker has become a common sight.
In this match De Bruyne and Bernado Silva are positioned as the two foremost strikers. However, because of Man City’s turnaround, the threat came from Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden on both sides of the wing.
This style of play clearly makes it difficult for PSG defenders. Two PSG conceded occurred because their wing-backs were late in chasing the Man City wing attack.
First finals
Man City stepped into the first Champions League final in the club’s history. This alone has become an extraordinarily special incision, especially if you become a champion.
The first final was a special achievement for Guardiola. After years of coaching Man City, he is finally approaching the club’s big ambitions.
In addition, for Guardiola personally this is a special note. He last took the team to the UCL final while still coaching Barcelona.
Pep vs Poch
The Man City vs PSG match was also marked by rivalries between the two coaches, Guardiola and Pochettino.
According to Opta, Pochettino has lost 12 times to Guardiola. This is the most defeat in Poch’s career. On the other hand, these 12 wins over Poch are a sweet touch in Pep’s career. Pep also collected 12 wins over two other coaches, Pellegerini and Dyche.
