Paris (AFP)

Paris Saint-Germain need a new feat in the Champions League to erase their semi-final first leg lost Wednesday against Manchester City (2-1): they will have to learn the lesson of the first round, stars at the top level , and trust.

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Because you have to be positive

Paris is at the foot of the wall.

In European Cups, only 7% of clubs beaten at home 2-1 in the first leg have qualified since 1970-71 ...

But winning in Manchester, PSG has already done it this season, to United (3-1), a score that would overthrow City to reach the final for a second consecutive year.

"You have to have personality, if you don't believe it, you're not going there", insists the captain, Marquinhos, author of the only Parisian goal of the first leg ... and already a scorer at Old Trafford in December.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino reminded him that his team have already won this season away.

"They scored 4 goals in Barcelona (4-1) and 3 in Munich (3-2)", adds his opponent, Pep Guardiola.

"Confidence will be very important," insists "Poche".

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Because everything is not to be thrown away

Paris collapsed in the second half, dominated in all areas.

But he had controlled the "Citizens" for 45 minutes.

A lesson to ponder.

"I believe in it because we played well the first half, it's a hope for the comeback," said Pochettino.

"Manchester City are a good team, but we know we can approach the game the same way" as the first half at the Parc.

PSG have managed to contain City and score.

"We defended well, the goals should not have slammed in the net, for me it was two accidents," said the coach.

PSG must go to Manchester "with the will to win", insists Marquinhos.

"We have to improve the things we did wrong tonight, we have everything we need to turn the situation around."

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Because City is suspicious

PSG can believe it because City fear it too.

"Mauricio will watch the game and learn for the return," said Guardiola.

PSG "is a club that is used to winning the French Championship, they know what to do to reverse this kind of match".

The Catalan coach "felt they were dangerous when they approached our penalty area".

The players of "Pep" are also wary, especially the two scorers of the first leg.

"Everything remains open," warns Riyad Mahrez.

"We know it's not over yet," adds Kevin De Bruyne.

"We know the qualities of Paris, and it will be very difficult next week."

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Because Mbappé and Neymar owe a revenge

Missing completely from their half to go, the two stars of the Parisian attack owe a revenge.

To their supporters and to themselves.

The Parisians hope that the two cracks will find the sparks of the first leg (Mbappé) and return (Ney) against Bayern.

"When a team has Neymar and Mbappé, players who cause faults, create actions", we must be wary, warns Pep Guardiola.

And Pochettino didn't overwhelm his players after the game.

"This is not the time to speak, it is the time to think, to remain calm," he says, asking on Thursday to "get back to work for the next match", Saturday against Lens in the League 1, "then the return to get the final".

He even defended Idrissa Gana Gueye, excluded and suspended for the return.

"It's a mistake, but it can happen."

The calm of Guardiola and City allowed them to play a much better second half than the first.

Paris hopes that Pochettino's zen attitude will allow him to play a much better second round ...

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