Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP)

Huge disappointment for Presnel Kimpembe, inconstant, and Kylian Mbappé, remained on the bench Tuesday with Paris SG during the elimination against Manchester City in the semi-final second leg of the Champions League (2-0).

But here are two other Blues, Benjamin Mendy and Aymeric Laporte, in the final!

- Kimpembe caught up in speed -

At the Etihad Stadium, the world champion was like his team: voluntary, but often in difficulty facing a twirling opponent.

"Presko" started his match with a fright, taking John Stones' elbow in the face in the opponent's area and remaining long seconds on the ground (19th) before getting up.

Admittedly, the central defender signed ball recoveries which relieved his defense (26th, 32nd), a header in his own area to deflect a dangerous attempt by Bernardo Silva (45th + 2) or a tackle in extremis in front of Riyad Mahrez ( 74th).

He sometimes even exceeded his duties, overflowing on the left to address a burning center (39th).

But there was also less good, a lost ball which offers a cons (40th), a yellow card collected for a rude tackle on Gabriel Jesus (87th) ... and above all a clear lack of liveliness on the two goals by Mahrez.

On the first, Kimpembe seems late and can not prevent the strike at a closed angle from the Algerian international (11th).

On the second, Kimpembe is taken behind his back and fails to return to the race on Phil Foden, decisive passer for Mahrez (63rd).

Foden even almost scored the third goal under the nose and beard of Kimpembe, still caught in speed on the strike on the post of the English striker (78th)!

- Mbappé remains in the stand -

Kylian Mbappé, for his part, was the great unknown before the meeting: was he sufficiently recovered from his muscle problem in a calf?

In view of the scenario of the match, no, since the French center-forward started on the substitutes' bench, installed in the stand of the Etihad Stadium, and has never entered the field.

"It was the best decision for everyone," explained his coach Mauricio Pochettino at RMC's microphone just before kick-off.

"He was not feeling well enough to start the game."

Mbappé probably did not feel well enough to come into play as PSG were in danger in the second half, Pochettino preferring to launch Moise Kean and Julian Draxler on the hour mark.

Paris would have badly needed its top scorer this season in C1 (8 goals) but Mbappé, emerged from the locker room at the break dragging his feet, down jacket on his back and cap screwed on his head, had his head bad evenings.

The misfortune of some making the happiness of others, two other players of the France team won, without playing, their ticket for the Istanbul final on May 29.

Benjamin Mendy and Aymeric Laporte, who remained on the substitutes' bench, may have a chance to set foot on the lawn of the Atatürk Olympic Stadium at the end of the month, which will not be the case with their Parisian teammates.

© 2021 AFP