Manchester City’s turbulent season hit a new low on Wednesday after a stunning 4-2 collapse against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Champions League group stage. This defeat leaves the reigning Premier League champions on the verge of elimination, needing nothing short of victory in their final group game against Club Brugge to keep their European dreams alive.
A Night to Forget in Paris
City seemed poised for a comfortable victory, with Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish scoring early in the second half to put the team two goals ahead. However, their defensive frailties were brutally exposed as PSG stormed back with four unanswered goals. Bradley Barcola’s blistering pace proved too much for City, as he set up Ousmane Dembélé’s first goal and scored himself minutes later. João Neves and Gonçalo Ramos sealed the comeback, leaving City stunned.
“They (PSG) were better, and we have to accept it,” said manager Pep Guardiola. “We have the last chance at home against Brugge and we will do everything there. If not, it’s because we don’t deserve it.”
Defensive Vulnerabilities Cost City
City’s struggles this season have been a far cry from the dominance they displayed under Guardiola in recent years. Despite their attacking firepower, defensive lapses have become a recurring issue. Guardiola admitted as much, telling TNT Sports, “They were quicker, faster, they won the duels, we could not cope. The best team won.”
Sitting 25th in the Champions League table with just eight points from seven games, City is dangerously close to missing out on the playoffs. Their fate now hinges on their performance against Brugge and the results of other fixtures.
A Mixed Night for European Giants
Elsewhere, Bayern Munich suffered a shocking 3-0 defeat to Feyenoord, jeopardizing their automatic qualification for the knockout stages. Two goals from Santiago Giménez and a strike from Ayase Ueda propelled Feyenoord to 11th place, while Bayern dropped to 15th. The six-time European champions now face Slovan Bratislava in a must-win final group game.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, delivered a commanding performance with a 5-1 victory over Red Bull Salzburg. Braces from Rodrygo and Vinícius Jr., along with a goal from Kylian Mbappé, ensured Los Blancos secured at least a playoff spot. However, coach Carlo Ancelotti remains cautious. “We have to try to beat Brest in the last game and see where we are in the standings. It’ll be very difficult to finish in the top eight,” he said.
Final Round Drama Awaits
As the Champions League group stage draws to a close, the fate of several European powerhouses hangs in the balance. While City fights for survival, Bayern and Madrid look to secure stronger positions in the table. The drama is far from over as clubs prepare for the decisive final round of fixtures.
Manchester City’s Champions League hopes may rest on their ability to rediscover the form that made them a force under Guardiola. The home game against Brugge will be their ultimate test.