Guardiola's return, Man City's defiance - and a game of glorious chaos
On their return to Etihad Stadium Manchester City put on a show of defiance - even in the face of a PSG masterclass, writes Phil McNulty.
Key points
- Manchester City lost 4-2 to Paris St-Germain at the Etihad Stadium.
- Pep Guardiola returned to watch from the directors' box, backing the club's owners.
- PSG led 3-0 at half-time before City rallied in the second half.
Manchester City were beaten 4-2 by Champions League holders Paris St-Germain at the Etihad Stadium. The match was City's first home game since the club was found guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations.
Pep Guardiola, who managed City for a decade, returned to watch from the directors' box, sitting a row behind chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and chief executive Ferran Soriano. His appearance was seen as a public show of support for the pair, who are appealing the guilty verdict.
PSG's ruthless first half
PSG dominated the opening 45 minutes, scoring through Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha to lead 3-0 at half-time. City were overwhelmed, and the scoreline could have been worse.
City manager Enzo Maresca made three changes at half-time. Erling Haaland gave City hope, but goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who had a poor night against his former club, saved from Maghnes Akliouche only for the ball to drop behind him into the net. City eventually lost 4-2.
I really like playing against PSG because they are brave. We know the way they want to press.
— Enzo Maresca
Maresca sees positives
Maresca said he liked playing against PSG because they are brave and described them as the best team in Europe. He added that City struggled because they conceded two early goals but created enough in the second half to maybe deserve something.
Former City defender Nedum Onuoha called it great entertainment but not a normal game of football. He said PSG were excellent in the first half and City looked off the pace, but rallied after the break.
