
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated Manchester City 4-2 in a thrilling Champions League match on Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium. This game marked City's first home match since a recent verdict deemed them guilty of over 100 charges of financial misconduct in the Premier League.
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PSG took control early, scoring three times within the first 35 minutes. Desire Doue opened the scoring with a long-range effort, followed by Ousmane Dembele's header from a well-executed one-two and a goal from Vitinha just outside the box.
Despite the early setbacks, Manchester City made a strong comeback in the second half. Erling Haaland scored twice, sandwiching a goal from Maghnes Akliouche which reduced PSG's lead to two goals.
The ten-time English champions, facing potential severe penalties pending an appeal on the financial ruling, managed to secure a win against Liverpool just days prior to this match, remaining at the top of the Premier League standings. However, PSG asserted their status as favorites to win the Champions League for a third consecutive season.
Former City manager Pep Guardiola returned to the Etihad for the first time since his departure in May, supporting chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and CEO Ferran Soriano. City acknowledged the recent verdict with a pre-match video celebrating the club's historic moments since their transformation following an Abu Dhabi-backed takeover in 2008.
While the supporters displayed a giant banner proclaiming their loyalty, the team's performance on the field was lacking. PSG delivered an impressive first half, showcasing their attacking prowess. PSG's coach Luis Enrique's decision to leave Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the bench proved judicious, allowing Doue to excel on the left wing.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, who had previously helped PSG win their first Champions League title in 2025, struggled throughout the match. He was unable to stop the opening goal by Doue and later mishandled Akliouche's shot, allowing it to bounce into the net.
Despite a spirited effort from City, including a saved late penalty from Ferran Torres, the match concluded with PSG claiming victory, underlining their dominance in European football amid Manchester City's ongoing turmoil.