“It's the biggest game of my career at City but it's not the end.
The day before, in a press conference, Riyad Mahrez had set the tone for this meeting so special for him, the child of Sarcelles (Val-d'Oise).
Back in the club in his city, in his region, where he grew up - as he likes to remember - the 30-year-old striker offered himself a dream night by marking the first leg with his imprint.
For more than a half, however, Mahrez was invisible, unable to tell the difference against a surprising Mitchel Bakker.
The young Dutch left-back was established rather than Abdou Diallo, deemed too fair by his coach Mauricio Pochettino.
He muzzled the former hope of Le Havre for a long time until the 71st minute and this delicious free kick from the Algerian international (62 caps), winner of the CAN two years ago.
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There was malice in his gesture.
Talent too, of course.
Because Mahrez does not miss it.
The former Leicester player, author of his twelfth goal in all competitions this season, is of the caliber of the greats.
He found the flaw in a mouse hole by hitting from the left between Presnel Kimpembe and Leandro Paredes, leaving no chance for Keylor Navas (1-2, 72nd).
This Wednesday, at the Parc des Princes, Riyad Mahrez proved, like his friend Kevin De Bruyne, that he does not need ten actions to make a difference.
With him, the danger is permanent.
Paris knew it.
He paid it in cash when he saw his wall break up on his free kick 25 meters away.
The child of Sarcelles that OM attracted
The story is all the more beautiful for him since eleven years ago he was still playing as an amateur in Quimper, in Brittany.
At the time, the young Riyadh was far from rhinestones and sequins.
He was even unknown to the professional world.
His salary was only 750 euros.
Another life.
Even if the one who lost his father at the age of 15 still feeds on his past to continue to climb the ranks.
Although he was born in the Parisian suburbs, Mahrez had an attraction for OM, the rival club of PSG at a younger age.
He may have remembered the good memories of Marseille's victories during the clasicos to sign in turn a prestigious victory at the Parc des Princes.
For his first C1 semi-final, moreover.
He will now want to finish the job, next week for the semi-final second leg.