PSG 4-2 Manchester City: City in danger of Champions League exit after collapse

At the Parc des Princes in Paris, Manchester City were defeated by Paris Saint-Germain after leading by two goals, leaving their Champions League qualification hopes in serious jeopardy. The match, played on a rainy night in Paris, exposed all of Manchester City's weaknesses from their recent dip in form this season, with Pep Guardiola's side collapsing in the face of PSG's speed and creativity.

Manchester City's loss means they are at risk of being eliminated from the Champions League, currently sitting 25th in their group, and they must win their final game next Wednesday at home against Brugge. The game was a rollercoaster, with Manchester City seemingly turning things around with goals from substitutes Grealish and Haaland within eight minutes of the start of the second half.

However, Paris Saint-Germain had been testing Manchester City's defense all night and quickly responded within the hour, with substitutes Dembele and Barcola bringing the score level. Then, Dembele hit the crossbar before the impressive Neves headed home a Vitinha free-kick unmarked, adding to Manchester City's pain in stoppage time when a powerful Ramos shot made the scoreline more accurate after a lengthy VAR check.

While goals from Grealish and Haaland briefly put Manchester City ahead, the power, speed, and strength of Paris Saint-Germain contributed to the dramatic turnaround, deepening the gloom surrounding the Premier League champions this season. Guardiola watched the collapse from the sidelines, a scale of defeat rarely seen in his managerial career, especially from his usually formidable Manchester City.

Manchester City knew that defeat would leave them on the brink in the Champions League, and they were fortunate to survive the first half, with Neves heading wide from an open goal, Gvardiol clearing the ball off the line from Ruiz, and Vitinha having a goal ruled out for offside. Dias was substituted at half-time after struggling in the first half, and with Manchester City's two goals, it seemed the clouds had lifted.

However, where the Manchester City of the past would have closed out the game, this Manchester City was blown away by a vibrant Paris Saint-Germain, who should not have been behind in the first place, let alone by two goals. When Paris Saint-Germain turned up the tempo, Manchester City were completely disorganized, and the final 4-2 scoreline did not reflect the pounding they endured, with the momentum completely shifting.

Guardiola's side looked old and slow, lacking pace, and the night exposed a high level of vulnerability, highlighting the scale of the rebuilding job facing Guardiola. He has already started, confirming before the game that young defenders Kusanov from Lens and Vito Reis from Palmeiras are ready to be thrown into the Premier League. Judging from the evidence of this frustrating night in Paris, they may get their chance sooner than expected.

Paris Saint-Germain coach Enrique tactically outmaneuvered his old friend Guardiola. Manchester City manager Guardiola stated that his friendship with his old Barcelona colleague Luis Enrique would always endure, but there was no doubt about who won this sporting contest in Paris. Guardiola hoped that his half-time changes, bringing on Grealish and Lewis for Savinho and the out-of-sorts Dias, would spark his side into life, and when Manchester City went 2-0 up, it seemed the strategy had worked.

However, the maverick Dembele, also a half-time substitute for Lee Kang-in, changed the game with his explosive pace and abundant talent. Teaming up with the impressive Barcola, he tore Manchester City apart in the second half, and the home side looked more likely to score more goals in the final stages rather than allow Guardiola's team to regain their composure. At least tonight, it justified Paris Saint-Germain's strategic decision to move on from the Mbappe, Messi, and Neymar era to a younger, more unknown team.

The new Champions League format also played its part, with a thrilling climax to the final round of matches.