Paris Saint-Germain produced an impressive performance to defeat Manchester City 4-2 in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, overcoming a second-half fightback by the English side to secure a thrilling victory at the Etihad Stadium.
The French champions scored three first-half goals through Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha before Maghnes Akliouche added another after the break.
Erling Haaland scored twice for City, but his efforts were insufficient to prevent the hosts from suffering defeat.
PSG took the lead through Doue, who finished a swift counter-attack with an effort that goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma failed to keep out at his near post.
The visitors doubled their advantage just two minutes later when Dembele finished a well-worked move involving Doue, who combined with his team-mate before the forward headed home at the far post.
Achraf Hakimi struck the post as PSG continued to dominate, while Vitinha extended their lead with a powerful effort from the edge of the penalty area to make it 3-0 before half-time.
City manager Enzo Maresca made three substitutions at the break in an attempt to revive his side’s chances, and the changes helped the hosts mount a fightback.
Haaland reduced the deficit by heading home a cross from Iliman Ndiaye, giving City renewed hope of getting back into the contest.
However, PSG restored their three-goal advantage when Akliouche’s effort looped over Donnarumma and into the net despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball.
City continued to push for a comeback, with Nuno Mendes clearing an effort off the goal line before Haaland struck the crossbar.
The Norwegian striker eventually scored his second goal of the night to make it 4-2.
PSG had the opportunity to extend their lead further late in the match, but Donnarumma saved Ferran Torres’ penalty to deny his former club a fifth goal.
The result further dampened the mood at the Etihad Stadium, where City played their first home match since an independent commission found the club guilty of more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules.
City have contested the ruling and are expected to appeal against the verdict, with the proceedings scheduled to be heard by January.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the club’s financial case, City had arrived at the fixture in confident mood after beating Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield on Sunday to remain top of the Premier League.
However, PSG demonstrated their attacking quality against Guardiola’s former side, strengthening their position among the leading contenders for another Champions League title.
