PSG punish Man City in Champions League thriller at Etihad
Paris Saint-Germain produced a ruthless attacking performance to beat Manchester City in a six-goal thriller at the Etihad Stadium, handing the hosts a painful Champions League defeat.
City struggled to contain the reigning European champions in the first half, conceding three goals before the break. Despite a much-improved performance after half-time, Enzo Maresca’s side could not complete a comeback as PSG capitalised on their defensive weaknesses.
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The match was also notable for the return of former City manager Pep Guardiola, who watched from the stands, while the home supporters created an atmosphere of defiance following the club’s finding of breaches of Premier League financial rules.
PSG tear City apart before half-time
PSG took the lead in the 13th minute when Desire Doue beat Gianluigi Donnarumma with a low finish.
The visitors doubled their advantage just two minutes later, with Doue turning provider as his precise cross found Ousmane Dembele, who headed home.
City struggled to cope with PSG’s movement and combination play, and the French side struck again in the 32nd minute. Vitinha finished clinically after excellent link-up play between Maghnes Akliouche and Warren Zaire-Emery to give the visitors a three-goal lead.
Maresca responded with three half-time substitutions, and City looked far more dangerous after the restart.
Erling Haaland reduced the deficit eight minutes into the second half, meeting Iliman Ndiaye’s cross with a flicked header to give the home side renewed hope.
Donnarumma’s error halts City comeback
City’s momentum was checked in the 62nd minute when Akliouche’s effort initially appeared to have been saved by Donnarumma, only for the ball to drop behind the goalkeeper and cross the line.
Haaland struck again as City continued to push forward, while PSG goalkeeper Matvei Safonov produced a remarkable save to deny the Norwegian a third goal.
PSG had another opportunity to make the closing stages more dramatic when they were awarded a late penalty, but Donnarumma redeemed himself by saving Ferran Torres’ effort.
Despite City’s improved second-half performance, PSG held on to secure an important Champions League away.