Paris Saint-Germain produced an impressive performance to defeat Manchester City 4-2 in the UEFA Champions League, overcoming a second-half fightback by the hosts to secure a memorable victory.
PSG raced into a three-goal lead in the first half through Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha before Erling Haaland scored twice to revive City’s hopes of a comeback.
Doue opened the scoring in the 14th minute after receiving a pass from Fabian Ruiz, cutting inside from the left before driving a low shot into the bottom corner.
The French winger turned provider less than two minutes later, combining with Dembele, who headed home from close range to double PSG’s advantage.
City struggled to contain the visitors, and Vitinha made it 3-0 in the 32nd minute with a first-time strike from the edge of the penalty area.
The result marked a difficult return to the Etihad Stadium for Pep Guardiola, who faced his former club for the first time since leaving at the end of last season.
City responded after the break, with Haaland heading home in the 53rd minute following a cross from substitute Iliman Ndiaye.
The hosts continued to press for another goal, but goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s error allowed City to reduce the deficit further when Maghnes Akliouche’s shot slipped through his hands and into the net.
Haaland then struck again from Ayyoub Bouaddi’s cutback, bringing City within one goal of their opponents and raising hopes of a remarkable turnaround.
The Norwegian striker had another opportunity to complete his hat-trick but failed to convert, while former City forward Ferran Torres missed a chance to settle the contest after his penalty was saved by Donnarumma.
Despite City’s late pressure, PSG held on to claim the victory.
Haaland’s opening goal also saw him surpass Sergio Aguero as Manchester City’s leading scorer in the Champions League. His brace took his tally in the competition to 61 goals in 60 appearances.
City finished with 27 attempts on goal but could not complete the comeback, while PSG’s clinical first-half display proved decisive.
