HighlightSports

Guardiola’s City Implode at Parc des Princes, Champions League Elimination Stare at the Citizens

"City's defeat means they must beat Club Brugge in their final group match to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages"

643

By Samuel Akpan with agency report

Manchester City’s Champions League campaign is hanging by a thread after a shocking 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes.

Despite taking a 2-0 lead early in the second half, City’s frailty was exposed as PSG scored four goals in a rain-soaked second half to leave Guardiola’s men on the brink of elimination.

“We suffered and they were better – better intensity to win duels,” a disappointed Guardiola said after the match. “In the big stages, the big teams, we struggle. We have to accept it.”

City’s defeat means they must beat Club Brugge in their final group match to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages.

The match was a tale of two halves, with City taking a comfortable lead early in the second half through goals from Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland.

However, PSG’s intensity and pressure eventually told, as they scored four goals in the final 30 minutes to seal a stunning comeback. “Usually in these moments we’re so good,” Grealish said.

“It’s happened too many times this season; when we’ve gone one goal, two goals up, even three against Feyenoord, and we’ve not been able to control the game and see it out.”

Guardiola’s team selection was also called into question, particularly the decision to start Matheus Nunes at right-back.

L’Equipe, the French sports newspaper, gave Nunes a rating of 5/10, criticizing his performance in the unfamiliar position.

Guardiola also faced questions about his decision to substitute Ruben Dias at halftime, with the Portuguese defender reportedly struggling with an injury.

Dias’ injury is a concern for City, who are already facing an injury crisis ahead of their crucial match against Club Brugge.

“He asked to be replaced because he didn’t feel good,” Guardiola said of Dias’ injury.

With City’s Champions League participation hanging in the balance, Guardiola will be hoping that Dias’ injury is not too serious, and that his team can regroup and produce a much-needed win against Brugge.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Updated: INEC Reveals Why Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Recall Failed to Gain Momentum

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will not proceed with...

My alleged collapse, a desperate attempt to score cheap political points – Wike

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has categorically denied social media...

Edo Elections Tribunal’s Judgment, Temporary Setback, Set To Appeal – PDP Chairman

The Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal’s verdict of April 2 has...

National Unity Torch Ignites in Nasarawa, Benue States, Fostering Spirit of Unity, Solidarity

The Unity Torch for the 22nd National Sports Festival has successfully made...

Abuja AWVCC: APR Rwanda Stages Dramatic Comeback to Defeat Carthage Tunisia 3-1

In a thrilling match at the ongoing 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Club...

Trump Unveils Sweeping Trade Tariff Plan, Redefining Global Commerce

In a move that could significantly impact global trade, U.S. President Donald...

Liverpool Edge Out Everton 1-0 in Merseyside Derby

Liverpool secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby...

Niger Delta Sports Festival Kicks Off in Uyo, Aligns with RHINSE Initiative

The Niger Delta Sports Festival kicked off in grand style on Wednesday,...

Women’s African Volleyball Club Championship Kicks Off in Abuja

The 2025 Women’s African Volleyball Club Championship has commenced in Abuja, Nigeria,...

Edo tribunal gives third judgment, dismisses PDP, Ighodalo’s petition against Okpebholo’s election

For the third time on Wednesday, the Edo State Governorship Election Petition...

NOC extols late Taekwondo President Saidu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has described the passing away of Saidu...

FCT Minister Wike Approves Employment of 34 Resident Doctors

In a significant stride towards enhancing healthcare services in the Federal Capital...

‘Small Girl, Big God’ – Korra Obidi celebrates US citizenship amid mixed reactions

Popular dancer and social media sensation Korra Obidi has officially become a...

Dayo Amusa reflects on motherhood and life’s trials in emotional post

Nollywood actress and singer Dayo Amusa is starting the new month with...

Annie Idibia embraces new chapter, partying seriously with Regina Daniels, others

Just weeks after leaving a rehabilitation facility, actress and estranged wife of...

NNPC Ltd Welcomes New GCEO, Board as Kyari Bows Out

The management and the staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited...

After 8-year incarceration, South African court acquits Nigerian televangelist Omotoso of rape charges

After eight years of incarceration, a South African court has found a...

Just in: Algiers-Abuja direct flights commence April 6 – Foreign Affairs Ministry

In a bid to foster stronger diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria...

Assassination allegation: Kogi govt. dismisses Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim as malicious, false

As reactions continue to trail the assassination allegation made by Sen. Natasha...

2025 National Police Day: FCT Police Kick Off Activities With Community Outreach, Clean-Up Exercise

In its effort to foster community policing and robust police-community relations, the...