Paris Saint-Germain have extended their unbeaten run in the UEFA Champions League to 12 matches after securing a convincing 4-2 victory over Manchester City, recording their first-ever win at the Etihad Stadium.
Match Report
Paris Saint-Germain defeated Manchester City 4-2 in an entertaining Champions League encounter as Pep Guardiola returned to the Etihad Stadium for the first time since leaving his former club at the end of last season.
Despite the charged atmosphere surrounding City’s first home fixture after the guilty verdict in the Premier League’s case against them, Guardiola watched his former side struggle as PSG raced into a 3-0 lead within the opening 32 minutes.
Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha found the net in a remarkable first-half performance by the French champions. However, Erling Haaland’s brace later gave City hope of mounting a comeback.
Manchester City nearly took the lead in the 12th minute when Matvey Safonov pushed the ball onto the crossbar. Antoine Semenyo fired the rebound over the goal, while Marc Guehi was penalised for fouling the PSG goalkeeper.
PSG broke the deadlock less than two minutes later. Fabian Ruiz released Doue on a counter-attack, and the French winger cut inside from the left before firing a powerful shot into the bottom-left corner.
The visitors doubled their advantage just 99 seconds afterwards, with Doue and Dembele linking up brilliantly before the latter headed home from close range.
Vitinha subsequently tested Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was unable to prevent Achraf Hakimi from getting a chance, although the full-back’s header struck the woodwork.
PSG eventually made it 3-0 in the 32nd minute when Vitinha struck a first-time effort from the edge of the penalty area. The result marked the first time since Liverpool defeated City 4-1 in 2015 that the Manchester side conceded three goals in the first half of a competitive home fixture.
Josko Gvardiol missed the target with a header, while Jeremy Doku produced a weak effort that Safonov comfortably handled. Enzo Maresca responded at the interval by making three substitutions, introducing Matheus Nunes, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Iliman Ndiaye.
The changes soon paid dividends as Ndiaye delivered a cross that Haaland headed past Safonov in the 53rd minute, reducing the deficit.
Semenyo struck the crossbar from an offside position, while Ndiaye also came close as City increased the pressure in search of another goal.
However, Donnarumma’s costly mistake dealt a blow to their comeback hopes. The goalkeeper got a hand to Maghnes Akliouche’s shot but could only push the ball upwards and into the net, failing to recover it before it crossed the line.
City continued to threaten, with Gvardiol seeing an effort cleared off the goal line and Enzo Fernandez hitting the woodwork. Haaland also rattled the crossbar with a powerful header.
The Norwegian striker eventually scored again 57 seconds later, calmly finishing Bouaddi’s cutback to make it 4-2 and give the home side renewed hope.
Haaland nearly completed his hat-trick in the 83rd minute, but his sliding attempt was directed straight at Safonov.
Former Manchester City striker Ferran Torres then missed a golden opportunity to put the result beyond doubt after sending a weak penalty towards Donnarumma. The spot-kick was awarded following Nunes’ foul on Nuno Mendes, but PSG failed to capitalise on the opportunity to extend their lead.
Despite City’s late pressure, PSG held on to secure an impressive victory.
Pep kicks every ball, Haaland into the record books but PSG just too good
PSG delivered an outstanding first-half performance, with Guardiola appearing animated throughout as he watched Luis Enrique’s side dominate proceedings.
The defeat marked the first time City had been three goals behind at half-time in a home match since January 2012. PSG also recorded seven shots on target from their 10 first-half attempts.
Nevertheless, Maresca could take some encouragement from City’s improved display after the break. Tactical adjustments helped the hosts gain control and put their opponents under considerable pressure.
Haaland also reached a significant milestone, surpassing Sergio Aguero to become Manchester City’s all-time leading scorer in the Champions League with his opening goal.
His second strike took his tally in the competition to 61 goals in 60 appearances, including 38 goals in just 41 matches for City.
Manchester City finished the contest with 27 shots and a combined expected goals (xG) figure of 2.57, with 1.78 of that total generated in the second half.
Haaland registered eight attempts, while Semenyo recorded six and Ndiaye managed four. However, despite their attacking efforts and improved second-half performance, Donnarumma’s error and Haaland’s missed opportunity proved costly as City fell short of completing the comeback.