Paris host Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday 28 April at 21:00 CET. As the game approaches, this page will be updated with the latest from the fields, player statements and expert analysis.
Paris – Man. City: the approach march
History
Josep Guardiola takes City – still unbeaten and semifinalist in 2016 – to the French capital to face the reigning runners-up, currently coached by Mauricio Pochettino.
Where to watch the game in TV
Click here for information on the channels that broadcast the UEFA Champions League in your country.
Statistics
Paris
Form: VVVSVV
Last game: Metz 1-3 Paris 24/04
Current situation: 2nd in Ligue 1, French Cup quarter-finals
Man. City
Form: VVSVSV
Last game: Man. City 1-0 Tottenham, 25/04 (League Cup final)
Current situation: 1st in the Premier League, League Cup winner
Probable formations
Paris: Navas; Florenzi, Marquinhos, Kimpembe, Diallo; Gueye, Paredes; By María, Verratti, Neymar; Mbappé
Man. City: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Rúben Dias, Cancelo; Rodri, Gündoğan; Mahrez, De Bruyne, Foden; Bernardo Silva
The opinion of the experts
Chris Burke, Paris reporter: Only one obstacle is missing before Paris become the sixth running runner-up to return to the final the following season, but it is an obstacle that can certainly be overcome after eliminating Bayern. With Kylian Mbappé apparently in shape despite a bruise reported over the weekend, the main concern is the French champions’ inconsistency in home games, seen multiple times this season.
Matthew Howarth, Man. City reporter: City have the individual and collective talent to beat any opponent in Europe. The psychological incentive is that the team is in the semifinals for the first time with Guardiola. Having arrived this far, she will be convinced not only to be able to beat the reigning runners-up, but also to raise the cup.
Opinion from the field
Mauricio Pochettino, Paris coach: “Both teams have incredible players, capable of controlling the game for 90 minutes. It will be tough – a very competitive challenge. City are one of the greatest teams in the world, with the best coach and of course they will be tougher. [che contro il Bayern Monaco], but we’ll see: we don’t know. The most important thing will be to try to be the best in the 180 minutes that will decide who will go to the final. “
Pep Guardiola, Man. City manager: “Paris are used to playing against teams that defend for 90 minutes and still find the way. It is not the best idea to defend against a team that has everything. I know they have quality up front, but we are in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, what can you expect if not this? I will not play 90 minutes thinking about how strong one player or the other is, but just how to beat them. I learned from Johann Cruyff: you have to enjoy the game and the responsibilities. Players love these situations because they like to take responsibility, that’s why only the big guys win this competition “.