Manchester City’s Champions League hopes hang in the balance after a disastrous 4-2 defeat to PSG at the Parc des Princes. Despite taking a 2-0 lead early in the second half, City capitulated in dramatic fashion, conceding four goals to leave them facing the prospect of elimination from the competition.
The defeat exposed all the frailties that have plagued City this season, with their defense looking particularly vulnerable against PSG’s pace and attacking prowess. Pep Guardiola’s side now sit 25th in the Champions League table and must win their final group game against Club Brugge next Wednesday to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages.
City’s Collapse
After a lackluster first half, City appeared to have turned the game around when substitutes Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland scored in quick succession. However, PSG responded immediately, with Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola leveling the score before the hour mark.
Joao Neves then headed PSG into the lead before Goncalo Ramos added a fourth in stoppage time to complete a remarkable turnaround.
This defeat will be a major concern for Guardiola, who witnessed his team crumble in a manner rarely seen during his tenure at City. The performance highlighted the scale of the rebuilding job facing the City manager, with his aging squad looking devoid of pace and defensive solidity.
Guardiola has already begun the process of rejuvenation, with young defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis potentially set for early introductions to the first team.
PSG manager Luis Enrique got the better of his former Barcelona teammate Guardiola in this tactical battle. Enrique’s half-time substitutions, particularly the introduction of Dembélé, proved decisive, with the French winger injecting pace and creativity into PSG’s attack.
This dramatic encounter showcased the excitement of the new Champions League format, with the final round of group games set to be filled with tension and high stakes. City’s fate hangs in the balance, and they will need a strong performance against Club Brugge to avoid an early exit from the competition.
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