Champions League Results: Manchester City Thrashed by PSG, Erling Haaland's Two Goals Were Unable To Save The Team

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated Manchester City 4-2 in their Champions League fixture at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Thursday WIB. The defending champions showcased sharp attacking quality and successfully shut down the home side's attempted comeback.

Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Vitinha, and Maghnes Akliouche got on the scoresheet for PSG at City's home ground. Meanwhile, Manchester City pulled two goals back via Erling Haaland, but failed to overturn the deficit after falling three goals behind.

This result delivers a heavy blow to Enzo Maresca's Manchester City side. This marks City's first defeat since their opening season loss in the Community Shield. In contrast, PSG have extended their unbeaten Champions League run to 12 matches.

This fixture also marked Pep Guardiola's first return to the Etihad Stadium since he departed Manchester City at the conclusion of last season.

PSG Run Riot In The First Half

PSG posed an immediate threat right from kick-off. In the 13th minute, Desire Doue opened the scoring for the visitors with a powerful low strike from outside the penalty box that Gianluigi Donnarumma was unable to stop.

Just two minutes later, Doue was involved once again, this time providing the assist. His deep cross to the far post was converted by Ousmane Dembele from close range, doubling PSG's advantage to 2-0.

Manchester City struggled to contain PSG's flowing attacking moves. The away side exploited gaps in the home defence and maintained constant forward pressure.

PSG's dominance produced another goal in the 32nd minute. Vitinha curled a precise finish from the edge of the penalty area into the top corner of City's goal. Donnarumma could not reach the shot, putting PSG 3-0 ahead.

This three-goal lead remained intact heading into the half-time break.

Haaland Revives Manchester City's Hopes

Maresca responded to the deficit by making a triple substitution immediately at the start of the second half. This change saw Manchester City play with far greater aggression, and they got their reward in the 53rd minute.

Erling Haaland reduced the gap when he finished off a cross from substitute Iliman N'Diaye. This goal gave City belief they could claw back PSG's three-goal advantage.

Alongside breathing life into the home side's chances, this strike saw Haaland surpass Sergio Aguero's club record of 36 Champions League goals for Manchester City. Haaland reached this milestone in just 41 appearances, compared to the 64 matches Aguero required.

However, City's revival momentum did not last long. PSG restored their three-goal cushion in the 63rd minute through Maghnes Akliouche.

The PSG forward struck from just inside the penalty area. Donnarumma got a hand to the shot, but could not prevent the ball crossing the goal line. PSG once again held a three-goal lead, this time at 4-1.

Haaland's Second Goal Not Enough To Rescue City

Manchester City refused to surrender, and pulled another goal back in the 75th minute. Haaland finished Bouaddi's cross with a low driven shot to make the score 4-2.

Haaland's second goal lifted the home crowd as City pushed to close the gap further. Nevertheless, PSG successfully held on to their lead until the final whistle.

PSG leave Manchester with a critical Champions League victory. With an unbeaten streak now standing at 12 matches, the defending champions carry formidable momentum in Europe's elite club competition.

Team Lineups

Manchester City (4-1-4-1): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guehi, Ruben Dias (Nunes 46'), Josko Gvardiol; Elliot Anderson; Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki (Bouaddi 46'), Enzo Fernández (O'Reilly 90'), Jeremy Doku (N'Diaye 46'); Erling Haaland.

PSG (4-3-3): Matvey Safonov; Achraf Hakimi, Willian Pacho, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes; Warren Zaire-Emery (Braldo 84'), Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz (Hernandez 84'); Maghnes Akliouche (Neves 78'), Ousmane Dembele (Torres 76'), Desire Doue.