Manchester City fell to a 4-2 loss against Paris Saint-Germain in Pep Guardiola’s comeback to the Etihad Stadium, even though a determined second-half comeback was sparked by Erling Haaland. This match was City’s first at home since an independent panel judged the club responsible for major financial breaches.
Guardiola, who left his role last summer, was warmly welcomed by the fans, who showed their continued backing for the club. But City’s evening became challenging as PSG surged to a three-goal advantage before halftime, leaving Enzo Maresca’s team facing a significant challenge.
PSG takes charge as Man City struggles before the break
PSG began with high intensity, as Warren Zaire-Emery made Gianluigi Donnarumma save early on. City called for a penalty when Rayan Cherki fell after a tackle by Marquinhos, while keeper Matvei Safonov almost handed the home side a goal by punching a corner onto his own bar.
The away team quickly seized control. In the 13th minute, Desire Doue moved inside from the left and beat Donnarumma at his near post to score first. Only two minutes later, Ousmane Dembele made it 2-0 for PSG, completing a play that started with his cross from the right before he moved into the box to connect with Doue’s return ball.
Achraf Hakimi nearly added another when his header hit the post, but PSG’s third goal came in the 32nd minute. Vitinha scored after a setup from Zaire-Emery, giving the French club a commanding lead. Hakimi wasted another chance shortly after, shooting directly at Donnarumma.
Haaland makes Man City Champions League history
Maresca made three changes at halftime, and one of them had an instant impact. Iliman Ndiaye sent in a cross that Haaland headed in, pulling City back into the game and energizing the crowd.
The Norwegian’s second goal of the match was also historic. With 38 goals in 41 games, Haaland became Manchester City’s top scorer ever in the Champions League.
Antoine Semenyo challenged Safonov as City pressed forward, but PSG regained their three-goal lead when Maghnes Akliouche’s long-range shot went in. Donnarumma seemed to have handled the attempt, but an awkward bounce sent the ball back into the net.
Man City rallies, but PSG prevails
City kept fighting and continued to put pressure on PSG’s defense. Enzo Fernandez and Haaland both hit the woodwork in quick succession as the hosts nearly turned their pressure into goals.
The comeback gained more traction in the 75th minute, when Haaland converted a pass from Ayyoub Bouaddi to make it 4-2. The forward then had a chance to complete his hat-trick, but Safonov made a close-range save to stop him.
PSG also missed a late penalty, while Donnarumma saved Ferran Torres’ spot-kick in added time. Despite City’s better second-half performance and several missed chances, the visitors secured the win.
The loss ended City’s streak of eight straight wins under Maresca, their first defeat since the Community Shield. It was a disappointing result after Sunday’s 3-0 win over Liverpool, which had been marked by strong support from City fans. Before the match against PSG, supporters had displayed a large ‘City Til I Die’ banner, highlighting their resilience during the financial issues.