Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola singled out 30-year-old attacker Riyad Mahrez for his performance last night on the Champions League stage.

Man City took control of the two-legged semi-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain by scoring two goals away in France.

Despite the fact PSG went ahead with a Marquinhos header, the Premier League leaders responded in the second half to win the match 2-1 and take a healthy lead back to the Etihad Stadium for next week’s home leg.

Kevin De Bruyne’s cross made it all the way through the PSG box and into their next to equalise, before Mahrez’s free-kick made it 2-1.

Guardiola was full of high praise for left-footed winger Mahrez after his individual display.

“He [Mahrez] played really well. He is playing the last months really well. He was so aggressive. His first movement was a pass to Kevin. Personality. It’s a guy who doesn’t feel the pressure. In the big stages he handles it really well,” Guardiola said.

TBR’s View:

Mahrez was his usual tricky self last night against PSG, proving a real handful whenever he got on the ball to cut infield from the right wing.

He’s certainly got a knack now of turning up in big games, and Guardiola is spot on that he’s someone who oozes confidence.

His goal against PSG, which was perhaps a little fortunate to go in after finding a gap in the wall from a free-kick, was his 12th of the season in all competitions.