Manchester City’s unbeaten run ends as PSG claim 4-2 Etihad victory

Manchester City’s unbeaten start to the season ended in a 4-2 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, despite a determined second-half response led by Erling Haaland. PSG had already built a 3-0 advantage inside 35 minutes at the Etihad Stadium, leaving City with too much ground to recover.

What changed for the club

City produced a far stronger display after the interval and created enough opportunities to make the contest considerably closer. The hosts finished with 27 attempts and an expected-goals figure of 2.5, but their failure to take key chances proved decisive against the reigning European champions.

Semenyo was particularly frustrated with his own contribution in front of goal. Soon after Haaland opened City’s scoring, the forward missed a clear opportunity which would have cut the deficit to 3-2 and changed the closing stages.

“It’s quite frustrating, to be honest,” Semenyo said after the match. “I’m beating myself up a little bit at the moment from all the chances that I missed. But collectively, it was about the reaction. We did so well and caused so many problems, so it is unfortunate not to score. We have to take the positives and go again.”

The loss was City’s first in all competitions this season. PSG could have extended their margin further late on, but Ferran Torres did not convert a penalty that would have made it 5-2.

Competition context

PSG’s early attacking performance demonstrated why they remain among Europe’s leading sides. The French club, seeking a third straight Champions League title, controlled the opening spell with ruthless efficiency before withstanding City’s improvement after the break.

Semenyo recognised the level of the opposition, pointing to the quality spread across the PSG squad.

“They are one of the best, obviously,” he said. “There are Ballon d’Or candidates throughout their team. They made it very difficult for us. We knew what to expect — they are very unorthodox — and credit to them. That is why they are back-to-back European champions.”

• PSG led 3-0 within 35 minutes.
• Haaland helped drive City’s second-half recovery.
• City generated 27 shots and 2.5 xG but lost 4-2.
• Ferran Torres missed a late PSG penalty.

What is scheduled next

City now return to domestic duties needing an immediate response to their first competitive setback of the campaign. The second-half fightback offered encouragement, but the missed chances against PSG will require attention if City are to regain momentum in their next fixtures.