Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) mounted a sensational comeback to defeat Manchester City 4-2 in a thrilling UEFA Champions League encounter on Wednesday. Trailing by two goals at their home ground, the Parc des Princes, PSG turned the tide with a relentless surge that left the English champions stunned and teetering on the brink of elimination from the competition.
After a goalless first half, Manchester City seemed to seize control early in the second half. Substitute Jack Grealish broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, pouncing on a rebound from Bernardo Silva’s effort. Just three minutes later, Erling Haaland doubled the lead, capitalizing on a deflected cross to fire home from close range.
However, PSG refused to back down. In the 56th minute, Ousmane Dembele ignited the comeback by sweeping in a cross from Bradley Barcola. Four minutes later, Barcola himself leveled the score, slotting in the rebound after Désiré Doué’s powerful shot rattled the crossbar.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Parisians pressed forward. In the 78th minute, João Neves headed in at the back post after Manchester City failed to clear Vitinha’s free kick, putting PSG ahead. Gonçalo Ramos sealed the victory in stoppage time, adding a fourth goal that sent the home fans into euphoria despite the torrential rain.
The victory propelled PSG to 22nd place in the standings, keeping their hopes alive for progression in the tournament. In contrast, Manchester City, who lifted the Champions League trophy in 2023 but have won only two of their seven group games this season, slipped to 25th place, just outside the playoff qualification zone.
City’s defeat sets up a tense final matchday as they host Belgian side Club Brugge on January 29. With only the top eight teams securing automatic spots in the round of 16, and positions 9th to 24th entering knockout playoffs, the stakes are higher than ever.
PSG will look to carry their momentum into their final league phase game against Stuttgart, aiming to secure their place in the next round.
Reference(s):
PSG surge back to shock Manchester City in UEFA Champions League
cgtn.com
