Gabriel Jesus inspires UEFA Champions League comeback as Manchester City and PSG qualify for the knockout stages

Kylian Mbappe’s early second half strike was soon cancelled out by Raheem Sterling before Gabriel Jesus scored the match-winner as both sides book their place in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.

Second half substitute Jesus capped off a brilliant attacking move to put the home side 2-1 ahead after 75 minutes.

Bernardo Silva gracefully knocked down Riyad Mahrez’s cross to the feet of the Brazilian who beat Keylor Navas from close range.

Pep Guardiola’s side did have to come from behind in the tie following a silky move from Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward found the feet of Mbappe who pounced on the opportunity and slotted the ball into the back of the net.

England forward Raheem Sterling was also in the position to hit the target just 12 minutes later to level the encounter.

Kyle Walker latched onto the end of a beautifully lofted ball from Rodri and squared it into the danger zone where Sterling was lurking to direct it home.

Following Manchester City’s 2-1 triumph, a delighted Pep Guardiola was pleased with his side’s performance.

“PSG, what a team, what players, what could I say. The performance was quite similar to Paris [away]a month ago.

“We created more chances in the first half. We played really well and always we had the sense that they could run in behind.”

City’s constant threat could’ve had the tie wrapped up much earlier if not for the defensive heroics of Presnel Kimpembe, who made a goal-line clearance to keep out Rodri’s header five minutes in.

Navas was also a saviour for the visitors as the experienced goalkeeper made a series of fine stops to deny Mahrez’s curling effort just after the half-hour mark.

At the other end, Mauricio Pochettino will be furious with the number of quality chances his side squandered through Idrissa Gueye, Angel Di Maria and Neymar.

The Brazilian, in particular, failed to hit the target on numerous occasions from good positions, including a golden chance moments before City’s winner which he rolled wide of Ederson’s goal.

With that 2-1 win, the Citizens qualify for the Champions League knockout stage as group winners. PSG also qualify after Club Brugge were heavily beaten 5-0 by Red Bull Leipzig, who leapfrog the Belgian club to claim third place in Group A.

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