Riyad Mahrez’s stunning freekick gave Manchester City an advantage going into their second leg tie against Paris Saint Germain in England.
PSG, quick to get out of the blocks fired from all cylinders in the opening stages as they got a deserved lead through Marquinhos.
Senegalese international, Idrissa Gueye was impressive in the opening exchanges, blocking City’s channels and snuffing their threats out.
All of the brilliance showed by the Parisiens in the first half extinguished after the break as City grew more confident in possession.
Kevin De Bruyne scored the equaliser for the to-be Premier League champions on the 64th minute before Algerian star, Mahrez delivered an exquisite freekick seven minutes later to give City the lead.
Gueye got his marching orders six minutes after City scored the second to further put the tie away from PSG’s reach.
The French giants face a Herculean task in the second leg of the tie when they visit City, as they will aim to make it to their second consecutive Champions League final.
In other European contests, Arsenal will face Villareal in the Europa League with Gabonese, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Ivorian Nicolas Pepe expected to feature.
Mali and AS Roma’s Mohammad Diawara and Manchester United’s Ivorian centre back, Eric Bailly may also have some roles to play in the other fixture.
