Phil Foden scored a hat-trick as Manchester City cruised to a 5-1 victory over AEK Athens in the UEFA Champions League, delivering an emphatic performance to strengthen their campaign in the competition.
Ethan Anderson and Rayan Cherki also scored for City, who took control with two first-half goals before responding decisively after the visitors reduced the deficit following the restart.
Anderson opened the scoring in the 12th minute, giving the hosts an early advantage before Foden doubled their lead in the 34th minute with an assist from Rico Lewis.
AEK briefly threatened a comeback when S. Pilios scored in the 52nd minute to make it 2-1.
City, however, quickly restored their two-goal cushion. Cherki finished a move created by Foden in the 57th minute before Foden struck again in the 65th minute, with Lewis providing his second assist of the match.
The England international completed his treble in the 76th minute after receiving a pass from R. McAidoo, capping an outstanding individual display.
Foden’s three goals highlighted his attacking influence, while Lewis played a key role in City’s victory with his creative contribution.
Although AEK managed to get on the scoresheet early in the second half, they struggled to contain City’s movement and attacking pressure for the remainder of the contest.
The comprehensive win underlined City’s attacking strength, with Foden emerging as the standout performer in a match that saw the English side score five goals.
