Man City threw away their 2-goal lead and ended up losing the match.
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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Manchester City clashed in a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League group stage match at the Parc des Princes.
Despite taking a 2-0 lead early in the second half with goals from Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland, City ultimately suffered a 4-2 defeat.
PSG mounted a remarkable comeback, scoring four goals through Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, João Neves, and Gonçalo Ramos.
Both teams started cautiously, with possession evenly contested in the early stages.
City, known for their intricate passing and pressing game, looked to dominate midfield, while PSG relied on quick counter-attacks through Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé.
The first real chance fell to Erling Haaland in the 18th minute, but his shot was well saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
PSG responded through Mbappé, who forced Ederson into a crucial save just before halftime. Despite the intensity, the first half ended goalless, with neither side able to break the deadlock.
The game exploded into life after the break. Manchester City took the lead in the 48th minute when Jack Grealish finished off a well-worked move, slotting the ball past Donnarumma.
The visitors doubled their lead just five minutes later, with Erling Haaland pouncing on a defensive error to make it 2-0.
However, PSG responded almost immediately.
Ousmane Dembélé pulled one back in the 57th minute, drilling a powerful shot into the bottom corner.
The goal reignited the home crowd, and just seven minutes later, substitute Bradley Barcola equalized with a stunning solo effort, weaving past defenders before finishing past Ederson.
City struggled to regain control as PSG pressed for a winner. In the 74th minute, young midfielder João Neves put the Parisians ahead for the first time, curling a shot from outside the box into the top corner.
The comeback was complete in the 88th minute when Gonçalo Ramos sealed the victory, tapping in a rebound after Mbappé’s effort was saved.
This loss has significant implications for Manchester City’s progression in the Champions League. They are now outside the top 24 teams that will qualify for the next phase of the competition.
Man City now sit in the elimination zone with one match left.
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To advance, City must secure a victory against Club Brugge in their final group stage match at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
A 1-0 win would be sufficient for qualification, given their superior goal difference. Currently, they have a 63.8% chance of advancing, according to Opta.
In contrast, PSG’s victory has improved their standing, moving them back into the top 24. They will face VfB Stuttgart in their final group stage match.
A win would ensure their progression, with an 86% probability of advancing. However, a draw might suffice if both Dinamo Zagreb and Sporting Portugal fail to win their respective matches.
Man of the Match:
Bradley Barcola (PSG) – The young forward changed the game after coming on, scoring a crucial equalizer and providing a spark in attack.
What’s Next?
PSG: Face VfB Stuttgart in their final group stage match, needing a win to secure qualification.
Manchester City: Must defeat Club Brugge at the Etihad to progress.
A thrilling night in Paris leaves City in a difficult position, while PSG’s comeback will go down as one of their finest Champions League moments.