Champions League: at the end of a spectacular match, PSG wins on Manchester City's pitch
630 days later, Paris Saint-Germain once again crossed swords with Manchester City in the Champions League. On January 22, 2025, the Rouge et Bleu saved their skin in C1 by winning 4-2 after being down 0-2.
A success which allowed Luis Enrique's men to secure a place in the play-offs and which laid the foundations for the Parisians' first European coronation, on the evening of May 31, 2025 (5-0). This time, Paris was not playing for its survival in the competition, but the double reigning European champion played its first gala poster of the season, six days before the reception of FC Barcelona.
An XXL shock which took place in a particular context: Manchester City now plays all its matches with the costume of the most hated team in England, after having been found guilty of 114 financial offenses in the Premier League and without yet knowing the content of the promised sanctions. Despite this heavy frame, Enzo Maresca threw his weight into his team composition in 4-2-3-1 with Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias, Guéhi, Gvardiol, Anderson, Fernandez, Semenyo, Cherki, Doku and Haaland.
For their part, PSG were keen to put in a big performance at the Etihad Stadium. Author of rather sluggish performances in Ligue 1 until now, Paris remained on three consecutive victories in the championship without convincing.
Faced with Manchester City, a reaction from the executives, and in particular from the duo Ousmane Dembélé - Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, was expected. Except that Luis Enrique had two surprises in his starting lineup.
The Spaniard had chosen to field an almost typical team in 4-3-3 with Safonov, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Vitinha, Ruiz, Dembélé and Doué. On the other hand, Zaire-Emery and Akliouche were preferred to Neves and "Kvara".
Very fit since the start of the season (7 goals scored in as many matches), but recently injured in the ankle, Ferran Torres also started on the bench. Finally, the Rouge et Bleu also wanted to regain first place in the standings after being overtaken the day before by FC Barcelona, Arsenal and Sporting CP.
As expected, the match started on a good note. As every time it returns to the Champions League, PSG has found rhythm, technical accuracy and above all the desire to hurt.
Opposite, City intended to confirm their excellent start to the season (6 wins in as many Premier League matches) and their card against Liverpool (3-0). Both teams therefore immediately sought to exert high pressure.