Psg pulled off a stunning upset by beating Manchester City 4-2 in an exhilarating away match during the Champions League's second round. The visitors raced to a three-goal lead before the break and managed to weather intense City pressure in the latter stages.
Manchester City – Psg – 2:4
Goals: Haaland, 53, 75 – Due, 13, Dembele, 15, Vitinha, 32, Akliush, 62.
Psg comes out firing in the first half
Psg set the tone from the off, pushing their hosts back and converting early pressure into goals. In the 13th minute, Desire Due capped off a lovely team move with a precise finish to open the scoring.
Just two minutes later, Ousmane Dembele doubled their advantage. Due was again involved, assisting Dembele, who deftly scored with a header after connecting with a teammate's delivery.
Despite Manchester City’s attempts to respond, Psg remained composed and created several more chances. Achraf Hakimi hit the post, and by the 32nd minute, Vitinha made it three with a well-timed strike following an exquisite backheel flick from Warren Zaïre-Emery.
As the teams went into half-time, Luis Enrique's side had a comfortable 3-0 lead and controlled the pace of the game.
Haaland sparks hope, but Akliush responds
After the break, Manchester City looked to turn the tide with increased urgency. Tactical changes bolstered their attacking efforts, and in the 53rd minute, Erling Haaland narrowed the deficit, converting Ilyas Ndiaye's delivery.
However, hope for a comeback was short-lived. Just nine minutes later, Magnes Akliush found the net after City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma misjudged his save attempt, restoring Psg's three-goal cushion.
Haaland's double not enough to salvage points for City
Manchester City continued to press forward, searching for a way back into the match. Haaland bagged his second of the night on 75 minutes, finishing an attack after a clever assist from Ayoub Bouaddi, reducing the deficit to two goals.
In the closing stages, Psg faced mounting pressure as the hosts pushed for another. Yet, Psg's goalkeeper Matvey Safonov rose to the occasion, making crucial saves, including one that thwarted Haaland's bid for a hat-trick.
Psg's impressive 4-2 triumph marks the first time they have won at the Etihad Stadium, lifting them to six points in the group and top of the table on goal difference. For City, this defeat broke an impressive run of eight consecutive victories.
