Manchester City 2-4 PSG: player ratings as magic gives way to suffering

By the PSG News newsroom · Published on 2026-10-14 · Updated on 2026-10-16 · psg · champions league · manchester city · player ratings · doué · vitinha

At the Etihad, PSG won 4-2 after a dazzling first half followed by a nervy finish under pressure. Doué, Dembélé, Akliouche and Vitinha stood out, while Safonov made a key late save.

On matchday 2 of the 2026-27 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain beat Manchester City 4-2 at the Etihad Stadium. The Parisians dominated before the break, then had to weather wave after wave of City pressure. The ratings published by ParisFans paint the picture of a night of contrasts, but one seen out with composure. Eurosport, for its part, highlighted Désiré Doué's brilliance and Vitinha's quality on the ball.

• Goalkeeper Matvey Safonov (7.5) – Solid in his interventions and calm with the ball at his feet, he could do little about the goals. His save from Haaland in the 81st minute at 2-4 proved huge.

• Defenders Achraf Hakimi (6.5) – Very prominent before the break and close to scoring, he suffered more afterwards. Marquinhos (6.5) – He couldn't stop everything, but made vital interventions during City's spells of pressure. Willian Pacho (6.5) – More influential than in his recent outings, even if not everything was perfect. Nuno Mendes (5.5) – Quieter, he was pushed back after half-time but made no major errors.

• Midfielders Vitinha (7) – The technical leader in the first half, he capped it with a fine goal before coming under pressure from the opposition. Fabián Ruiz (6.5) – Very tidy and provided an assist before the break, but faded afterwards. Replaced in the 83rd minute by Lucas Beraldo. Warren Zaïre-Emery (7) – Commanding and creative before half-time, with a decisive backheel. Replaced in the 83rd minute by Lucas Hernandez.

• Forwards Maghnes Akliouche (7.5) – Technical ease, defensive work rate and a goal to show for it. Replaced in the 75th minute by João Neves. Ousmane Dembélé (7.5) – A top-level first half, capped with a goal and an assist. Replaced in the 75th minute by Ferran Torres. Désiré Doué (8) – A sparkling first half, decisive at both ends of the pitch, with a goal and an assist. Replaced in the 65th minute by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

• Coach Luis Enrique (8?) – Hard to assess given how crazy the match was, but Paris came away victorious from a very tough trip, with goals of real quality.

In the end, the Parisian performance will be remembered for an accomplished first hour, followed by more laborious game management in the face of City's response. In that context, Doué's flashes of inspiration and Vitinha's precision, highlighted by Eurosport, along with Safonov's safe hands late on, were key to a major victory.