Paris Saint‑Germain secured a 4‑2 victory over Manchester City in a Champions League clash that saw the French side dominate from the outset. The win, which came at the Etihad Stadium, was the first defeat for City since the Community Shield and ended an eight‑match winning streak under new manager Enzo Maresca. The match also featured a notable appearance by former City coach Pep Guardiola, who returned to the stadium in a gesture of support for the club following a recent financial‑irregularities verdict.
The game began with PSG asserting control, with Désiré Doué opening the scoring after a quick left‑wing cut‑back that beat former PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Two minutes later, Ousmane Dembélé delivered a precise cross from the right, allowing Doué to finish a header and give the visitors a 2‑0 lead. A third goal arrived before the break when Vitinha struck from a lay‑off by Warren Zaïre‑Emery, leaving City scrambling to find a response.
Manchester City’s comeback was sparked by Erling Haaland, who netted a brace to bring his Champions League tally to 38 goals from 41 appearances, the most by any player in the competition. Haaland’s first goal came from a quick counter‑attack, while his second followed a pass from Ayyoub Bouaddi. Despite the two goals, City remained unable to convert chances, hitting the woodwork on several occasions and missing a late penalty when Ferran Torres was denied by Donnarumma in stoppage time.
Paris Saint‑Germain’s other goal was scored by Maghnes Akliouche, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot a long‑range effort into the net. The French side also had a penalty opportunity that went unconverted, and they missed a late chance when a shot from Haaland rebounded off the post. City’s attempts to rally were thwarted by a solid PSG defence and a goalkeeper who made several key saves throughout the match.
The defeat marked City’s first loss in the Champions League since the Community Shield and highlighted the challenges the club faces amid its financial scrutiny. Meanwhile, PSG’s comprehensive performance reinforced their status as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders, with Doué, Dembélé, and Haaland all contributing to the win. The match concluded with PSG maintaining momentum as they prepare for their next group‑stage encounter, while City will look to regroup and address the issues that led to their unexpected setback.