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Mahrez reveals key trait that helped City against Dortmund

Mahrez at Man City
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Riyad Mahrez played an instrumental role as Manchester City came from behind to claim a comeback win against Borussia Dortmund.

Riyad Mahrez says confidence played a key role in Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat of Borussia Dortmund in Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash.

The Citizens took a 2-1 advantage to the Signal Iduna Park. However, their qualification hopes suffered a setback as the Black and Yellows took a 15th-minute lead through Jude Bellingham’s superb curling effort.

Nonetheless, Mahrez leveled matters for the Citizens from the penalty spot before the hour mark. 15 minutes before full-time, Phil Foden wrapped up victory with a splendid long-range effort that sailed past goalkeeper Marwin Hitz. A result which sent the Etihad Stadium giants through 4-2 on aggregate.

Speaking after the game, the Algerian international says it was confidence rather than a change in tactics that saw them take hold of the game in the second half.

“No, just keep going like we played after the goal we conceded,” Mahrez told Manchester City TV.

“At half-time, we thought we were going to score, we were very confident about the second half and that’s what we did.”

“The penalty and the second goal but we could have scored more in the first half. I had a one but the defender saved it and Kevin [De Bruyne] had one or two. We were very confident and that’s why we are through.”

“It was a good open game. I don’t think we started very well but we came back after their goal and played good – created chances and at the end, we had the opportunity to score and we did.”

Mahrez also spoke on his decision to take the penalty despite the presence of De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan in the squad.

“I wanted to take the next one. The next one was today so I took it,” he added.

“I don’t remember who took the last one but when the penalty arrived I knew it was me. Everyone knew I was going to take it. I took the responsibility and it’s good for the team.”

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