Paris Saint-Germain delivered a commanding performance to beat Manchester City 4-2 at the Etihad Stadium, exposing the hosts’ defensive weaknesses in a memorable Champions League encounter.
City, watched by former manager Pep Guardiola on his return to the club, struggled to contain the reigning European champions, who established a three-goal advantage before half-time. Desire Doue opened the scoring in the 13th minute, beating City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with a low finish. Two minutes later, the French forward turned provider, delivering an accurate cross that Ousmane Dembele converted with a header to double PSG’s lead.
The visitors continued to dominate, with Vitinha making it 3-0 in the 32nd minute. The midfielder finished clinically after an impressive exchange between Maghnes Akliouche and Warren Zaire-Emery carved open the City defence. City manager Enzo Maresca responded by making three substitutions at half-time, and his side emerged with greater attacking intent.
Erling Haaland reduced the deficit eight minutes after the restart, meeting Iliman Ndiaye’s cross with a flicked header to give the hosts renewed hope. However, PSG restored their three-goal cushion in the 62nd minute. Donnarumma initially saved Akliouche’s effort, but the ball slipped behind him and crossed the line.
City refused to surrender, with Haaland scoring again to bring his side back into contention. The striker also came close to completing his hat-trick, only for PSG goalkeeper Matvei Safonov to produce an outstanding save. The match ended with another dramatic moment when Donnarumma saved Ferran Torres’ late penalty, preventing PSG from widening the margin further.
The result also came amid heightened scrutiny of Manchester City following their reported finding of guilt over breaches of Premier League financial rules. However, the club’s supporters maintained a defiant atmosphere throughout the match.
