Manchester City squandered a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 with Feyenoord in the Champions League, extending their poor run of form and leaving the Etihad Stadium in shock.
Pep Guardiola’s side appeared to be in control after two goals from Erling Haaland and one from Ilkay Gundogan gave them a commanding advantage.
However, the Dutch visitors mounted a remarkable comeback, earning a point to the delight of their 5,000 traveling fans.
Anis Hadj Moussa capitalized on a mistake by Josko Gvardiol to score Feyenoord’s first goal. Substitute Santiago Gimenez then chested in the second in the 82nd minute, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
Feyenoord completed the stunning turnaround in the 89th minute when David Hancko found the net, leaving Guardiola visibly frustrated and some City fans expressing their discontent with boos at full-time.
Although City ended a five-match losing streak, they head into Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash against title rivals Liverpool without a win in their last six matches across all competitions.
Careless City punished
While Feyenoord fans celebrated wildly at full-time, Manchester City’s players looked stunned after yet another disappointing performance.
In just four weeks, Guardiola’s side has exited the EFL Cup, suffered three consecutive Premier League defeats, and dropped five of a possible six points in the Champions League.
This latest result felt like a loss, as City grappled with the reality of conceding two or more goals in six consecutive matches across all competitions—a streak not seen since May 1963.
The night had started promisingly. Haaland opened the scoring from the penalty spot after being fouled by Quinten Timber. Soon after halftime, Ilkay Gundogan’s deflected left-footed volley doubled City’s lead.
When Haaland swept in Matheus Nunes’ low cross in the 53rd minute, the match seemed all but decided.
However, Josko Gvardiol’s careless pass sparked Feyenoord’s comeback. What followed was a series of defensive lapses that allowed the visitors to claw their way back into the game.
City’s lackluster performance was evident, and Pep Guardiola’s pained expression at the final whistle reflected the team’s ongoing struggles.
City are 15th in the Champions League table after dropping seven points from five matches and could face an unwanted extra two play-off matches in February unless they can turn their form around.
The 2023 winners go to Juventus next in the competition on 11 December and then face Paris St-Germain away on 22 January, before hosting Club Brugge in their final group-phase match on 29 January.