Paris Saint-Germain pushed Manchester City to the brink of Champions League elimination after coming from two goals down to win 4-2 on Wednesday, while Arsenal all but secured their place in the last 16.<o:p></o:p>
Holders Real Madrid remain in contention for a top-eight spot after sweeping aside Red Bull Salzburg 5-1, but Bayern Munich's hopes of automatic qualification took a hit with a 3-0 defeat by Feyenoord.<o:p></o:p>
Pep Guardiola's City were left stunned as they blew a two-goal lead after Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland struck early in the second half in pouring rain at the Parc des Princes.<o:p></o:p>
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/more-about-me-than-players-says-manchester-united-boss-ruben-amorim-about-worst-team-remark-8645380" rel="dofollow">'More about me than players,' says Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim about 'worst team' remark</a>
Substitute Ousmane Dembele soon halved the deficit for PSG and Bradley Barcola equalised on the hour after Desire Doue's effort came back off the crossbar.<o:p></o:p>
Joao Neves' diving header put PSG on top before Goncalo Ramos added a late fourth as the French champions climbed from 26th in the table to 22nd and bumped City out of the qualifying spots for the knockout phase.<o:p></o:p>
"I don't know how we did it, to be honest," PSG coach Luis Enrique told Canal Plus. "We started the second half in the worst way possible by conceding two goals. It was tricky at that point, but at the same time this team believes in itself."<o:p></o:p>
City, the European champions in 2023, are down in 25th having failed to win any of their last four games in the competition and must beat Club Brugge at home next week to salvage their campaign.<o:p></o:p>
"I accept the defeat because the best team won," said Guardiola. "It's in our hands, we have to win the last game," he added. "Hopefully we can qualify. If it doesn't happen, we don't deserve it."<o:p></o:p>
Arsenal are on the verge of the last 16 as goals from Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard sealed a 3-0 home win over Dinamo Zagreb -- their fifth victory in seven games in Europe.<o:p></o:p>
"It's a massive step. We're very close to achieving the goal we had before the group stage started," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told TNT Sports.<o:p></o:p>
The Gunners, who go to Girona in their final game in the league phase, are third in the 36-team table and three points clear of ninth-placed Aston Villa with a far superior goal difference.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sports, Football: Pep's City were left stunned as they blew a two-goal lead after Grealish and Haaland struck early in the second half in pouring rain at the Parc des Princes.

Paris Saint-Germain pushed Manchester City to the brink of Champions League elimination after coming from two goals down to win 4-2 on Wednesday, while Arsenal all but secured their place in the last 16. Holders Real Madrid remain in contention for a top-eight spot after sweeping aside Red Bull Salzburg 5-1, but Bayern Munich's hopes of automatic qualification took a hit with a 3-0 defeat by Feyenoord. Pep Guardiola's City were left stunned as they blew a two-goal lead after Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland struck early in the second half in pouring rain at the Parc des Princes. Also read | 'More about me than players,' says Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim about 'worst team' remark Substitute Ousmane Dembele soon halved the deficit for PSG and Bradley Barcola equalised on the hour after Desire Doue's effort came back off the crossbar. Joao Neves' diving header put PSG on top before Goncalo Ramos added a late fourth as the French champions climbed from 26th in the table to 22nd and bumped City out of the qualifying spots for the knockout phase. "I don't know how we did it, to be honest," PSG coach Luis Enrique told Canal Plus. "We started the second half in the worst way possible by conceding two goals. It was tricky at that point, but at the same time this team believes in itself." City, the European champions in 2023, are down in 25th having failed to win any of their last four games in the competition and must beat Club Brugge at home next week to salvage their campaign. "I accept the defeat because the best team won," said Guardiola. "It's in our hands, we have to win the last game," he added. "Hopefully we can qualify. If it doesn't happen, we don't deserve it." Arsenal are on the verge of the last 16 as goals from Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard sealed a 3-0 home win over Dinamo Zagreb -- their fifth victory in seven games in Europe. "It's a massive step. We're very close to achieving the goal we had before the group stage started," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told TNT Sports. The Gunners, who go to Girona in their final game in the league phase, are third in the 36-team table and three points clear of ninth-placed Aston Villa with a far superior goal difference. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

PSG push Man City to UCL elimination with comeback win; Arsenal seal last 16 spot

Lionel Messi is expected to play in Paris St Germain`s Champions League clash against Manchester City on Tuesday after taking part in a training session. The Argentine forward missed two Ligue 1 games with a bruised knee but did not appear to be struggling with the injury on Monday morning.

"We will confirm the starting 11 tomorrow," coach Mauricio Pochettino told a news conference when asked about Messi ahead of the Group A clash at the Parc des Princes.

"But I think he will be in the squad tomorrow."

Pochettino added that Messi, who joined the French club on a two-year contract from Barcelona, would need time to adjust in Paris.

"He did 20 years in Barcelona, it`s normal he felt at home there and here, everything is new for him. He did not arrive a long time ago," the Argentine said.

Pochettino also confirmed that Marco Verratti would probably be involved after the Italy midfielder missed four games with a knee injury.

"He trained well the last few days and we think he will be able to be in the squad. We haven`t decided on the starting 11 but he could be in it," he said.

PSG were knocked out in the Champions League semi-finals last season by City, a club that is "ahead" of the capital side, Pochettino conceded.

"It`s a fact, not an opinion, that we are a team in construction. City have been under the best coach in the world in my opinion with Pep Guardiola," he said.

"It`s a matter of time but also, let`s face it, of investment."

In that department, PSG have nothing to envy City for after spending well over a billion euros on transfers since Qatar Sport Investment took over the club in 2011. On the field, they need to be more efficient, midfielder Ander Herrera said.

"We work everyday to get better, we need to be more efficient than last season," the Spaniard, who has been in good form this season, told a news conference.

"Against a team like them, we have to go for the kill when we have chances."

PSG have one point after their 1-1 draw at Club Brugge, two behind City who hammered RB Leipzig 6-3 in the opening round of matches.

Lionel Messi is expected to play in Paris St Germain`s Champions League clash against Manchester City on Tuesday after taking part in a training session. The Argentine forward missed two Ligue 1 games with a bruised knee but did not appear to be struggling with the injury on Monday morning.

Lionel Messi is expected to play in Paris St Germain`s Champions League clash against Manchester City on Tuesday after taking part in a training session. The Argentine forward missed two Ligue 1 games with a bruised knee but did not appear to be struggling with the injury on Monday morning. "We will confirm the starting 11 tomorrow," coach Mauricio Pochettino told a news conference when asked about Messi ahead of the Group A clash at the Parc des Princes. "But I think he will be in the squad tomorrow." Pochettino added that Messi, who joined the French club on a two-year contract from Barcelona, would need time to adjust in Paris. "He did 20 years in Barcelona, it`s normal he felt at home there and here, everything is new for him. He did not arrive a long time ago," the Argentine said. Pochettino also confirmed that Marco Verratti would probably be involved after the Italy midfielder missed four games with a knee injury. "He trained well the last few days and we think he will be able to be in the squad. We haven`t decided on the starting 11 but he could be in it," he said. PSG were knocked out in the Champions League semi-finals last season by City, a club that is "ahead" of the capital side, Pochettino conceded. "It`s a fact, not an opinion, that we are a team in construction. City have been under the best coach in the world in my opinion with Pep Guardiola," he said. "It`s a matter of time but also, let`s face it, of investment." In that department, PSG have nothing to envy City for after spending well over a billion euros on transfers since Qatar Sport Investment took over the club in 2011. On the field, they need to be more efficient, midfielder Ander Herrera said. "We work everyday to get better, we need to be more efficient than last season," the Spaniard, who has been in good form this season, told a news conference. "Against a team like them, we have to go for the kill when we have chances." PSG have one point after their 1-1 draw at Club Brugge, two behind City who hammered RB Leipzig 6-3 in the opening round of matches.

Champions League: Lionel Messi should be in PSG squad for Man City game, says manager Mauricio Pochettino

For Paris Saint-Germain another&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;campaign ends in disappointment, wondering what might have been had one of their superstar attackers not been sidelined at the crucial moment.

In 2018 and 2019 it was Neymar who was injured as PSG lost in the last 16 to Real Madrid and then Manchester United.

This time it was Kylian Mbappe, handicapped by a calf knock that meant he was left on the bench in Tuesday's 2-0 semi-final second leg defeat against Manchester City, huddled up to keep warm on a bitter night in the north of England.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino must have hoped his team, having lost 2-1 in the first leg, could stay in the tie long enough to make it worth risking Mbappe for the closing stages.

After Riyad Mahrez scored his and City's second of the night, Angel Di Maria's sending-off midway through the second half meant there was no point in sending on Mbappe. The tie was over.

There will be no second consecutive&nbsp;Champions&nbsp;League&nbsp;final for last season's runners-up, as the most coveted trophy of all continues to elude their Qatari owners a decade after they bought the club.

This defeat might hurt that bit more coming against Abu Dhabi-backed City, and it once again brings into focus the Qatar strategy at the Parc des Princes.

PSG threw the two biggest transfer fees in history at Neymar and Mbappe in 2017 but the 400 million-euro ($480m) duo have not managed to deliver European glory, and they now have just a year remaining on their contracts.

Mbappe starred with a hat-trick in Barcelona and a brace at Bayern Munich in the last two rounds. Standing in for him in Manchester, Mauro Icardi made little impact, and the Parisians failed to muster a shot on target in the tie after the 28th minute of the first leg.

<h2>'Lost their nerve'&nbsp;</h2>

They ended up losing their nerve at the Etihad Stadium, with Di Maria seeing red for stamping on Fernandinho's foot before Marco Verratti, Presnel Kimpembe and Danilo Pereira were all booked.

Afterwards PSG players queued up to accuse Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers of insulting them, but they did not help themselves.

"They lost their nerve and started to kick us and after the red card it was more comfortable," said Mahrez, born and brought up in the Paris suburbs but who drove a dagger to PSG's heart by scoring three of City's four goals in the tie, a year after ex-Paris winger Kingsley Coman netted Bayern's winner in the final.

It was an inglorious exit for Pochettino's team, but the defeat should take nothing away from their achievements in knocking out Barcelona and Bayern.

"We eliminated teams who could have gone on to win it, like us," PSG's sporting director Leonardo told broadcaster RMC Sport.

"Our objective now is always to win, not just to reach the semi-finals, but I think our performances in the last two years have shown that we are among the real contenders to win the trophy we want the most."

<h2>Will star duo sign new deals?&nbsp;</h2>

The question now, as always, is what happens next.

Leonardo still needs to add quality to support Mbappe and Neymar, particularly at full-back.

He also needs to sort out the futures of his superstar forwards, with negotiations over new contracts ongoing.

"We need to continue, keep the foundations we have," Leonardo added.

"Today is not the time to decide or announce anything. We can be proud of what we did. We are not satisfied at losing in the semi-finals but that can happen against a team like Manchester City.

"I am optimistic for the future."

That future will be with Pochettino, who arrived in January and has regularly spoken of the need for a full pre-season.

More immediately he also has a&nbsp;league&nbsp;and cup double to win -- French&nbsp;champions&nbsp;seven times in eight years, PSG are second in Ligue 1, a point behind Lille with three matches left.

"Let's concentrate on the future and prepare the team to win the games we have left," Pochettino said.

"The way we played in these two games gives us hope for the future, to come back and try again."

For Paris Saint-Germain another Champions League campaign ends in disappointment, wondering what might have been had one of their superstar attackers not been sidelined at the crucial moment.

For Paris Saint-Germain another Champions League campaign ends in disappointment, wondering what might have been had one of their superstar attackers not been sidelined at the crucial moment. In 2018 and 2019 it was Neymar who was injured as PSG lost in the last 16 to Real Madrid and then Manchester United. This time it was Kylian Mbappe, handicapped by a calf knock that meant he was left on the bench in Tuesday's 2-0 semi-final second leg defeat against Manchester City, huddled up to keep warm on a bitter night in the north of England. Coach Mauricio Pochettino must have hoped his team, having lost 2-1 in the first leg, could stay in the tie long enough to make it worth risking Mbappe for the closing stages. After Riyad Mahrez scored his and City's second of the night, Angel Di Maria's sending-off midway through the second half meant there was no point in sending on Mbappe. The tie was over. There will be no second consecutive Champions League final for last season's runners-up, as the most coveted trophy of all continues to elude their Qatari owners a decade after they bought the club. This defeat might hurt that bit more coming against Abu Dhabi-backed City, and it once again brings into focus the Qatar strategy at the Parc des Princes. PSG threw the two biggest transfer fees in history at Neymar and Mbappe in 2017 but the 400 million-euro ($480m) duo have not managed to deliver European glory, and they now have just a year remaining on their contracts. Mbappe starred with a hat-trick in Barcelona and a brace at Bayern Munich in the last two rounds. Standing in for him in Manchester, Mauro Icardi made little impact, and the Parisians failed to muster a shot on target in the tie after the 28th minute of the first leg. 'Lost their nerve' They ended up losing their nerve at the Etihad Stadium, with Di Maria seeing red for stamping on Fernandinho's foot before Marco Verratti, Presnel Kimpembe and Danilo Pereira were all booked. Afterwards PSG players queued up to accuse Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers of insulting them, but they did not help themselves. "They lost their nerve and started to kick us and after the red card it was more comfortable," said Mahrez, born and brought up in the Paris suburbs but who drove a dagger to PSG's heart by scoring three of City's four goals in the tie, a year after ex-Paris winger Kingsley Coman netted Bayern's winner in the final. It was an inglorious exit for Pochettino's team, but the defeat should take nothing away from their achievements in knocking out Barcelona and Bayern. "We eliminated teams who could have gone on to win it, like us," PSG's sporting director Leonardo told broadcaster RMC Sport. "Our objective now is always to win, not just to reach the semi-finals, but I think our performances in the last two years have shown that we are among the real contenders to win the trophy we want the most." Will star duo sign new deals? The question now, as always, is what happens next. Leonardo still needs to add quality to support Mbappe and Neymar, particularly at full-back. He also needs to sort out the futures of his superstar forwards, with negotiations over new contracts ongoing. "We need to continue, keep the foundations we have," Leonardo added. "Today is not the time to decide or announce anything. We can be proud of what we did. We are not satisfied at losing in the semi-finals but that can happen against a team like Manchester City. "I am optimistic for the future." That future will be with Pochettino, who arrived in January and has regularly spoken of the need for a full pre-season. More immediately he also has a league and cup double to win -- French champions seven times in eight years, PSG are second in Ligue 1, a point behind Lille with three matches left. "Let's concentrate on the future and prepare the team to win the games we have left," Pochettino said. "The way we played in these two games gives us hope for the future, to come back and try again."

PSG regret Mbappe absence and loss of discipline in latest Champions League exit

Pep Guardiola on Monday called on his Manchester City players to control their emotions if they are to reach a first ever Champions League final as they take a 2-1 lead into the second leg of their semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

City came from behind with a stunning second-half performance in the French capital last week to take a giant step towards a goal they have been chasing ever since Sheikh Mansour's takeover in 2008 transformed the club's fortunes.

Guardiola has won the Champions League twice as a coach when in charge of Barcelona, but has failed to do so in the past 10 years as he has suffered numerous agonising exits from Europe's premier club competition as Barca, Bayern Munich and City boss.

City moved to the brink of sealing a third Premier League title in four years at the weekend and Guardiola urged his side to maintain the same focus they have all season to see off PSG on Tuesday.

“The second-leg of semi-final always the toughest game, more than the final. We have to control our emotions to do exactly what we have to do," said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference.

"You cannot play 90 minutes like we played in the second half (in Paris). I would love to but it won't happen.

“You have to understand it will be a big battle and we are going to suffer. They have to visualise that we are going to do it.

"What we have to do is not different to what we have done over the last seven months. Go out and play our game and win."

PSG are also dreaming of winning the Champions League for the first time, but if they are to progress to the final for a second consecutive season, they will need to score at least twice at the Etihad.

City have not conceded more than once in a Champions League game all season as the centre-back partnership of Ruben Dias and John Stones has eradicated the sort of defensive lapses that have cost Guardiola's men in previous years in this competition.

Stones admitted the English champions-elect have to remain wary of the "world class" talents of PSG star duo Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, but said City are confident of finally getting to the final

"I think (we are) quietly confident, we have to be. It is a big occasion for us as players and as a club, a chance to get into a Champions League final," said Stones.

"We have got to go into it where we left off. We are really confident and excited for the challenge ahead."

Mbappe is an injury doubt after sitting out Saturday's 2-1 win over Lens due to a calf strain.

The French World Cup winner has travelled to Manchester with the rest of the PSG squad and Guardiola dismissed any suggestion he won't be available.

"He is going to play," added Guardiola. "I am looking forward to him playing, for the football and the game itself."

Pep Guardiola on Monday called on his Manchester City players to control their emotions if they are to reach a first ever Champions League final as they take a 2-1 lead into the second leg of their semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Pep Guardiola on Monday called on his Manchester City players to control their emotions if they are to reach a first ever Champions League final as they take a 2-1 lead into the second leg of their semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. City came from behind with a stunning second-half performance in the French capital last week to take a giant step towards a goal they have been chasing ever since Sheikh Mansour's takeover in 2008 transformed the club's fortunes. Guardiola has won the Champions League twice as a coach when in charge of Barcelona, but has failed to do so in the past 10 years as he has suffered numerous agonising exits from Europe's premier club competition as Barca, Bayern Munich and City boss. City moved to the brink of sealing a third Premier League title in four years at the weekend and Guardiola urged his side to maintain the same focus they have all season to see off PSG on Tuesday. “The second-leg of semi-final always the toughest game, more than the final. We have to control our emotions to do exactly what we have to do," said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference. "You cannot play 90 minutes like we played in the second half (in Paris). I would love to but it won't happen. “You have to understand it will be a big battle and we are going to suffer. They have to visualise that we are going to do it. "What we have to do is not different to what we have done over the last seven months. Go out and play our game and win." PSG are also dreaming of winning the Champions League for the first time, but if they are to progress to the final for a second consecutive season, they will need to score at least twice at the Etihad. City have not conceded more than once in a Champions League game all season as the centre-back partnership of Ruben Dias and John Stones has eradicated the sort of defensive lapses that have cost Guardiola's men in previous years in this competition. Stones admitted the English champions-elect have to remain wary of the "world class" talents of PSG star duo Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, but said City are confident of finally getting to the final "I think (we are) quietly confident, we have to be. It is a big occasion for us as players and as a club, a chance to get into a Champions League final," said Stones. "We have got to go into it where we left off. We are really confident and excited for the challenge ahead." Mbappe is an injury doubt after sitting out Saturday's 2-1 win over Lens due to a calf strain. The French World Cup winner has travelled to Manchester with the rest of the PSG squad and Guardiola dismissed any suggestion he won't be available. "He is going to play," added Guardiola. "I am looking forward to him playing, for the football and the game itself."

Guardiola calls for Man City cool heads to see off PSG

Paris St Germain will need to maintain their intensity levels throughout the game if they are to overturn a 2-1 deficit against&nbsp;Manchester&nbsp;City in their Champions League semi-final second leg next Tuesday, boss Mauricio Pochettino said.

Last year's runners-up PSG got off to a solid start at the Parc des Princes and went ahead through Marquinhos in the 15th minute before being overwhelmed after the interval and conceding two goals and receiving a red card in the space of 14 minutes.

"We were the better team in the first half but then we conceded two goals we normally don't concede," coach Mauricio Pochettino told a news conference.

Kevin De Bruyne netted the equaliser when his cross beat keeper Keylor Navas, who failed to react as it curled into the far corner of the net.

Riyad Mahrez scored the winner with a free kick that sneaked through the wall before Idrissa Gueye picked up a straight red card.

"The key was that we didn't show the same energy with the ball than in the first half," Pochettino explained.

"But we are confident that we can turn this around and approach the second leg the same way. The first half showed that we were right in our approach of the game.

"We just have to keep the same intensity with the ball. That's what we have to improve."

Captain Marquinhos said that PSG needed more composure.

"Sometimes you have to be strategic and intelligent. We conceded two really stupid goals. These are details that will count," he said.

"Above all, we need to have personality. We have to have the mentality to win, to do whatever it takes to get through. We are very close, it's not the time to have doubts."

PSG will take comfort from the fact that they won their two away legs in the previous rounds, 4-1 at Barcelona in the last-16, and 3-2 at holders Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

Paris St Germain will need to maintain their intensity levels throughout the game if they are to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Manchester City in their Champions League semi-final second leg next Tuesday, boss Mauricio Pochettino said.

Paris St Germain will need to maintain their intensity levels throughout the game if they are to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Manchester City in their Champions League semi-final second leg next Tuesday, boss Mauricio Pochettino said. Last year's runners-up PSG got off to a solid start at the Parc des Princes and went ahead through Marquinhos in the 15th minute before being overwhelmed after the interval and conceding two goals and receiving a red card in the space of 14 minutes. "We were the better team in the first half but then we conceded two goals we normally don't concede," coach Mauricio Pochettino told a news conference. Kevin De Bruyne netted the equaliser when his cross beat keeper Keylor Navas, who failed to react as it curled into the far corner of the net. Riyad Mahrez scored the winner with a free kick that sneaked through the wall before Idrissa Gueye picked up a straight red card. "The key was that we didn't show the same energy with the ball than in the first half," Pochettino explained. "But we are confident that we can turn this around and approach the second leg the same way. The first half showed that we were right in our approach of the game. "We just have to keep the same intensity with the ball. That's what we have to improve." Captain Marquinhos said that PSG needed more composure. "Sometimes you have to be strategic and intelligent. We conceded two really stupid goals. These are details that will count," he said. "Above all, we need to have personality. We have to have the mentality to win, to do whatever it takes to get through. We are very close, it's not the time to have doubts." PSG will take comfort from the fact that they won their two away legs in the previous rounds, 4-1 at Barcelona in the last-16, and 3-2 at holders Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

PSG need to keep up intensity to see off Man City in return leg

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PSG push Man City to UCL elimination with comeback win; Arsenal seal last 16 spot

Champions League: Lionel Messi should be in PSG squad for Man City game, says manager Mauricio Pochettino

PSG regret Mbappe absence and loss of discipline in latest Champions League exit

Guardiola calls for Man City cool heads to see off PSG

PSG need to keep up intensity to see off Man City in return leg