Manchester City returned to the Etihad Stadium for the first time since being found guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations, presenting a defiant 'us against the world' front. Pep Guardiola, who managed the club for a decade, attended in a public show of support for chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and chief executive Ferran Soriano, sitting quietly in a flat cap a row behind the pair.
The stand bearing Guardiola's name displayed a 'CT ID' mosaic, and the pre-match build-up included fireworks worthy of several rock concerts. That defiance was tested quickly. Champions League holders Paris St-Germain produced a ruthless first-half display, leading 3-0 at half-time through goals from Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha. City were shell-shocked, with even combative midfielder Enzo Fernandez reduced to chasing shadows.
City responded superbly after the break, with manager Enzo Maresca making three half-time changes. Erling Haaland gave the hosts hope, but PSG ran out 4-2 winners. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma endured a poor night against his former club, and the second-half revival did not undo the damage of the opening 45 minutes.
Despite the defeat, City's fans sustained a frenzied atmosphere and gave their team a rousing send-off at the final whistle. The result followed a 3-0 win at Liverpool the previous Sunday, but the night belonged to PSG and Luis Enrique's side, whose football was described as brutal beauty.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing