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Riyad Mahrez stands up for Neymar and Kylian Mbappe after PSG pair were slammed by French media for their role in the club's Champions League exit at hands of Manchester City, as he insists they didn't qualify 'simply because two players defended less'

Manchester City forward Riyad Mahrez has leapt to the defence of Paris Saint-Germain forwards Neymar and Kylian Mbappe after the pair were slated for their role in the French side's Champions League exit.

PSG wasted a slew of chances in the second leg defeat at the Etihad Stadium while City made the most of their few opportunities, Mahrez grabbing both goals to send Pep Guardiola's side to the final in Istanbul against Chelsea.

Neymar took a beating in the French media for not pulling his weight in defence in both games, as did Mbappe, who was left on the bench for the second leg due to a calf injury.