Beaten 2-0 by Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain will not see Istanbul and therefore fail once again in their quest for the European holy grail.
Deprived of Kylian Mbappé, hit in a calf, PSG could not do anything against the very well-oiled collective of Citizens. Unable to frame the slightest shot during the meeting, the Parisians made many bad choices in the last third of the field and were unable to destabilize the British defense.
A defense which once again confirmed its great stability. With only four goals conceded in 12 C1 games this season, she is definitely Pep Guardiola’s master weapon this year.
Riyad Mahrez once again decisive
Riyad Mahrez, author of a double
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The Spanish coach who can also thank Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian, author of another good performance, scored the two goals of the match, a week after his goal in the first leg and therefore helped his coach to reach his first C1 final since 2011. First Algerian player to reach the final of the Champions League since Rabah Madjer in 1987, Riyad Mahrez confirmed last night that he had indeed become a strong man in the jersey of the Blues.
“Riyadh is an extraordinary player, steeped in talent, who has so much quality and who is always present in the big games. We know its qualities; you know players are judged by the way they behave at big dates and he loves itsaid Pep Guardiola about the 2019 CAN winner.
Chelsea has the keys in hand
In the final, Manchester City will meet the winner of the match between Chelsea and Real Madrid, which is played tonight at Stamford Bridge at 7 p.m. GMT. In the first leg, the two teams parted with a score of 1-1.
Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea coach since January 2021
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On paper, Chelsea had a good operation last Tuesday by scoring a goal on the lawn of Real Madrid. But given the configuration of the meeting, Thomas Tuchel’s men could have hoped for better. Tonight, at Stamford Bridge, it will therefore be a question of not dominating in a sterile way, as was the case in the first leg, and of realizing the opportunities they intend to obtain.
“We create enough chances and play enough in the box to score goals. I also think that the time, the experience gained, our ability to adapt, our self-confidence will help us in this area. I am relaxed about it. I believe in my players and whoever starts the game“, assured the German coach of Chelsea.
Real Madrid must go on the offensive
On the side of Real Madrid, no other choice but to expose themselves more than during the first leg. The You meringues must score if they want to reach the final and have a chance to lift the C1 for the 14th time in their history.
Zinedine Zidane can obviously count on Karim Benzema in this area. The French striker, scorer in the first leg, is currently in the best shape of his career.
Return to Eden Hazard
Zidane will also be able to rely on Eden Hazard. Since his arrival in Madrid, the Belgian has not had the expected impact, especially due to several injuries. But at the end of the season, he is returning to his best level, as confirmed by Toni Kroos at a press conference.
Eden Hazard in the first leg
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“We all know what Eden can do for us. It’s a shame he hasn’t been able to show it in recent months due to injuries, but I think he’s a lot better now physically, which is very important for him, to get closer to his true level. Game“, explained the German midfielder.
“He is a player made for these great games, he can help us a lot in a meeting like this. I don’t know how fit he will be but for the opposing defense he is still dangerous.”
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