Manchester City vs. Paris Saint-Germain in Champions League 2016: PSG Needs Early Goal in Quarterfinal Second Leg
Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will face off in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal on Tuesday at 2:45 p.m. The game, which promises to be an exciting affair, will be played in London at the City of Manchester Stadium.
The Match Up
This game promises to be full of attacking verve after an eventful 2-2 draw in Paris last week. PSG entered the matchup as the favorites thanks to its attacking corps that includes Angel Di Maria, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani.
But Ibrahimovic, despite scoring a goal, actually collapsed under pressure, his penalty kick getting shut down by goalie Joe Hart. Moreover, the team held a 2-1 lead late into the game but wound up conceding a late goal thanks to some poor defending.
The 2-2 draw undoubtedly gave Manchester City a huge boost as it sets its sights on the semifinals for the first time.
But the path will not be easy.
PSG must not only score but must win this game lest it wants to be dropped out of the competition at the quarterfinals yet again. The 2-2 draw means that Manchester City can play for a 0-0 or 1-1 draw and know that they are into the next round. PSG must not only score the first goal, but must do it early.
If the Parisian side scores the opener, then it forces Manchester to start attacking, thus giving more space for Paris' celebrated attackers more space in the opposing half. This only increases its chances of pulling out a win.
Both teams like possession but Paris undeniably dominated it throughout the opening match. The team had 65 percent of the ball and will be on the front-foot to start the game.
Manchester's game plan will have to rely heavily on flooding the midfield and holding a strong defensive unit against one of the best attacking trio in the world.
Cavani will have to bury his chances as all the ones provided to him in the opener were shut down by Hart.
Speaking of the English goalie, he will have to be at his best to ensure his side a historic spot in the semifinals. He was the star of the first leg and will need to impress in front of his home fans as his side undoubtedly gets overrun.
Prediction
Manchester City holds on for a 0-0 draw and advances to the semifinals. PSG goes back to the drawing board looking for a way to improve upon its team.