Manchester City had to battle from a goal down before deservedly triumphing 2-1 over Paris Saint Germain and progression to the knockout stages in top spot.

A tentative start to the half full of possession play by both teams gradually worked up to City laying siege to the PSG goal but without any end result as the much lauded French attack was overshadowed by some dogged defensive play to keep the score level at the break.

Rodri began the assault with a goal bound header from a Mahrez free kick only for Kimpembe to clear. Mahrez, a constant threat throughout the half, then saw keeper Navas push his shot into the side netting.

Not that PSG did not have their moments and City had to beware of the fast break involving Messi, Neymar and Mbappe. And it was the latter who had the French side's best chance when he took advantage of sloppy defending to to burst forward but fire over.

City worked the ball well with neat interplay and a Mahrez effort was headed over the bar by Hakim.

On 32 minutes was the nearest the hosts came to scoring as Gundogan fired against the post from 18 yards then Mahrez brought a save out of Navas who palmed over.

But within 5 minutes of the restart City were hit by a PSG smash and grab. Messi and Neymar combined on the break for the formers low cross to find Mbappe unmarked at the far post to hammer home. Cue much rejoicing from the away fans behind the goal.

The game became open with City pressing and PSG angering the home crowd with their time wasting. But frustration turned to joy on 63 minutes as Sterling was in the right place to poke the leveller from Walker's deflected cross.

Substitute Jesus then brought a finger tip save from Navas as the home team turned on the pressure. Yet it was Neymar who should have regained the lead for the visitor's but clean through he shot wide.

Moments later City made PSG pay for that miss as a wonderful sweeping move ended with substitute Jesus applying the finishing touch from close range.

City's game management now was to keep possession then defend in depth when PSG regained the ball. And it worked perfectly as the French outfit never mounted any sort of late rally and City eased into the last 16 knockout stages.

Group A

Full Time

Man City: 2 (Sterling 63, Jesus 76)

Paris Saint Germain: 1 (Mbappe 50)

Etihad Stadium