PSG came from two goals behind to shock 4-2 Man City in the Champions League on Wednesday, putting the English side at risk of elimination and outside the playoff spots.
Key Moments in PSG Victory
The match was turned around by goals from PSG’s Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, Joao Neves, and Goncalo Ramos after Man City initially led 2-0 early in the high-scoring second half.
“The team’s belief is unwavering,” stated PSG manager Luis Enrique to the media. “My squad always fights until the final whistle, and we have frequently demonstrated that.”
Manchester City Early Lead and PSG Response
Substitutes Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland scored in the 50th and 53rd minutes for City, but the home supporters enduring heavy rain at Parc des Princes were given a fantastic comeback to enjoy.
Dembele connected with a cross from Barcola to score in the 56th minute. Four minutes later, Barcola equalized by converting the rebound after Desire Doue’s powerful shot hit the crossbar.
Turning the Tide: PSG Winning Goals
PSG set up camp in City’s half and gained the upper hand in the 78th minute when the away team’s defense had difficulty clearing Vitinha’s free-kick, allowing Neves to score with a header at the back post.
Ramos capped off the match with a superb shot from just inside the penalty area, following an extensive VAR review for offside.
You must keep the ball in order to defend the outcome. Pep Guardiola, the dejected manager of City, told TNT Sports, “We didn’t have it.”
Group Standings After PSG Triumph
PSG moved up to 22nd place in the standings, whereas City, who lifted the Champions League trophy in 2023 but have only won two out of their seven group matches, fell to 25th, just one position beneath the playoff qualification places.
“We acknowledge our loss as the superior team triumphed, and we have one final opportunity (to qualify) at home against Club Brugge,” Guardiola stated.
Manchester City Next Challenge: Facing Club Brugge
The defeat for City creates a tense conclusion as they welcome Belgian team Brugge on January 29. The top eight clubs gain automatic qualification for the round of 16, while those finishing in positions nine to 24 will face off in two-legged playoff matches to earn their place in the last 16.
“It’s possible. We’ll find out,” Guardiola stated regarding City’s prospects of being eliminated before the knockout stage. “If we don’t secure a victory against Brugge, then we don’t earn the right to advance.”
PSG Dominance and Man City Struggles
PSG performed better for the majority of Wednesday’s match and had a moment of celebration for a goal scored by Achraf Hakimi just before halftime, which was later disallowed due to offside.
The city appeared to be maintaining their resurgence after weeks of disappointing outcomes when Grealish struck in the rebound from Bernardo Silva’s attempt. Haaland increased the advantage when Grealish’s delivery took a deflection, landing at the feet of the Norwegian, who finished powerfully from close quarters.
Conclusion: PSG Remarkable Performance
However, PSG then overwhelmed the English champions, who had let a three-goal advantage slip away against Feyenoord to end in a 3-3 draw in November. The French team is set to visit VfB Stuttgart for their last match in the league stage.
Grealish was unable to respond to City’s disappointment.
“I’m not sure; typically, we’re quite strong in these situations,” the midfielder stated to TNT. “Clearly, this has occurred frequently this season… we haven’t succeeded in managing the game and finishing it off. As I mentioned, it’s odd because in every other season, we’ve excelled at controlling the game in such moments.”
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