Manchester City’s chances of progressing in the Champions League are in jeopardy after they surrendered a two-goal lead to suffer a defeat against Paris St-Germain at Parc des Princes. On a miserable, rain-soaked night in Paris, all the weaknesses that have plagued City throughout their declining season were exposed as Pep Guardiola’s team crumbled under PSG’s speed and creativity.
City’s loss puts them at risk of being eliminated from the Champions League, currently sitting 25th in the table and needing a win in their final home game against Club Brugge next Wednesday. The match in Paris was filled with drama as Manchester City initially seemed to have taken control of the game with substitute Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland scoring twice in the first eight minutes of the second half.
However, PSG continuously threatened City’s defense and quickly equalized with goals from substitutes Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola before the hour mark. Dembele even hit the crossbar before Joao Neves, who had an outstanding performance, scored from Vitinha’s free-kick to give PSG the lead. City’s defeat was further compounded in stoppage time when, after a lengthy VAR check, Goncalo Ramos’ powerful strike added to the scoreline.
Manchester City didn’t deserve to be in the lead as Grealish and Haaland’s goals were their only close chances, while PSG’s dominance in power, speed, and quality enabled them to make a dramatic comeback and deepen the misery surrounding the Premier League champions this season.
Guardiola stood on the sidelines, soaked and stunned, as he witnessed a collapse rarely seen in his managerial career, especially from his usually dominant Manchester City side. Knowing that defeat would put them on the brink of elimination from the Champions League, City were lucky to survive the first half as PSG came close to scoring with Joao Neves missing an open goal, Josko Gvardiol clearing off the line from Fabio Ruiz, and Vitinha having a goal disallowed for offside. Ruben Dias was replaced at half-time after a difficult first 45 minutes, and City seemed to have turned things around with their two goals.
However, instead of finishing the game, PSG took control and ran circles around City, with the final score of 4-2 not reflecting the beating they received. Guardiola’s team looked slow and vulnerable, highlighting the massive rebuilding job he faces. He has already taken steps in this direction, announcing before the game that young defenders Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens and Vitor Reis from Palmeiras are ready to make their Premier League debut. If this dismal performance in Paris is any indication, they may have to step in sooner than expected.
PSG coach Enrique outwits old friend Guardiola, and while the City manager stated that his friendship with former Barcelona teammate Luis Enrique will last forever, there was no question who came out on top in this battle. Guardiola’s changes at half-time, bringing on Grealish and Rico Lewis for Savinho and Dias, were meant to revive his team, and for a brief moment when City took a 2-0 lead, it seemed to have worked. However, it was substitute Dembele, who replaced Lee Kang-in at half-time, that changed the course of the game with his explosive pace and exceptional talent. Alongside the impressive Barcola, he tore City’s defense apart in the second half, with PSG looking to add more goals instead of allowing City back into the game.
This match was a validation of PSG’s decision to move away from relying on stars like Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Neymar and instead build a team with younger, lesser-known players. With a thrilling finale set up for the final round of games, the new Champions League format has certainly proven its worth.
