PSG master the Etihad: a statement 4-2 win
Solid and ruthless, the two-time European champions beat Manchester City 4-2 in the Champions League, powered by a superb first half. Next up: FC Barcelona at the Parc des Princes next Tuesday.
Key takeaways
- PSG beat Manchester City 4-2 away in the Champions League, following a 6-1 win over Slovan Bratislava in their opening game.
- Desire Doue opened the scoring in the 13th minute, with Ousmane Dembele making it 2-0 with a header at 15’.
- Vitinha added a third for PSG in the 32nd minute, and Maghnes Akliouche extended the lead to 4-1 in the 62nd; Haaland scored twice for City (53’, 75’) to reduce the deficit.
- Ferran Torres missed a late penalty in the 90th minute, and PSG travel to FC Barcelona next Tuesday at the Parc des Princes.
Match sheet
Manchester City 2 – 4 Paris Saint-Germain
· Ligue des champions · League Phase · Etihad Stadium
- 13' Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain) — goal
- 15' Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain) — goal
- 32' Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain) — goal
- 53' Erling Haaland (Manchester City) — goal
- 61' Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City) — yellow card
- 62' Maghnes Akliouche (Paris Saint-Germain) — goal
- 69' Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain) — yellow card
- 75' Erling Haaland (Manchester City) — goal
Standings Ligue des champions : 1er, 9 pts (3 j.)
Paris Saint-Germain delivered a resounding win away to Manchester City (2-4) on Matchday 2 of the Champions League, just days after opening their campaign with a comprehensive 6-1 against Slovan Bratislava. The two-time European champions built their victory on a razor-sharp start, excelling both in transition control and clinical finishing.
Start and early domination
The first half belonged to Luis Enrique’s men, who dictated the tempo and read the spaces superbly. Desire Doue put PSG in front with a precise cross-shot (13’), before quickly turning provider for Ousmane Dembele’s winning header (15’). Still threatening, Paris nearly added a third when Achraf Hakimi’s strike crashed against the post (31’). Moments later, Vitinha stretched the lead with a shot from the edge of the box (32’), capping a near-flawless opening period.
First-half supremacy
After the break, the Sky Blues responded and upped the intensity. Erling Haaland dragged City back into it with a header (53’), but PSG pulled away again through Maghnes Akliouche, who was quickest to restore the three-goal cushion (62’). City kept pushing, Haaland rattling the bar (74’) before completing his brace to revive the contest (75’). PSG nevertheless held their advantage to the end, with Ferran Torres missing a late penalty (90’).
City fightback
Beyond the scoreline, Paris impressed with their collective organisation and ruthless edge in key moments, while standing firm against City’s second-half surge. This away success, earned at a notoriously difficult venue, confirms the momentum sparked by their opening European outing.
Team performance and momentum
PSG now turn to a much-anticipated clash with FC Barcelona next Tuesday at the Parc des Princes. The Catalans are on ten wins from ten in all competitions, promising a top-level showdown.
Your questions, our answers
How did PSG start the match against Manchester City?
They built their victory on a razor-sharp start, with Desire Doue putting PSG in front (13’) and Ousmane Dembele doubling the lead with a header (15’).
Who restored PSG’s three-goal cushion during the match?
Maghnes Akliouche, who was quickest to restore the three-goal cushion (62’).
What stopped City from mounting a late comeback with a penalty?
Ferran Torres missing a late penalty (90’).