PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) pulled off a stunning comeback against Manchester City, turning the tide of their UEFA Champions League match from two goals down to win 4-2 at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday. The dramatic clash not only highlighted PSG's resilience but also left City teetering on the brink of elimination.
Manchester City appeared firmly in control as the second half began, boasting a comfortable 2-0 lead courtesy of substitute Jack Grealish's goal in the 50th minute and Erling Haaland's strike just three minutes later. The English champions seemed poised to secure victory, propelling them closer to the knockout stages as they looked to recover from recent inconsistencies. But as soccer often proves, games can pivot unexpectedly.
PSG, needing the victory immensely, surged back with four unanswered goals, showcasing their tenacity and offensive prowess. Ousmane Dembélé sparked the comeback by scoring just six minutes after falling behind, taking advantage of brilliant play from Bradley Barcola. Dembélé latched onto Barcola's cross, sweeping it home to shift the momentum back to the home side, now pulsated by their fervent supporters braving the torrential Parisian rain.
Just four minutes later, Barcola got his name on the scoresheet, tucking away the rebound after Desire Doué’s powerful shot rattled off the crossbar. The home fans erupted as PSG leveled the score with sheer aggressiveness and determination, restoring belief and energy to their campaign.
The game took another twist when João Neves headed the decisive goal from a set piece, putting PSG 3-2 up in the 78th minute. With City's defense struggling to clear the dangerous situation following Vitinha's free-kick, Neves capitalized on their indecision. The momentum shifted wholly, and City's backline faltered under pressure, resembling the disarray they had experienced earlier this season.
PSG sealed their comeback with one final exclamation mark courtesy of Gonçalo Ramos, who netted the fourth goal deep in stoppage time after lengthy VAR checks confirmed his strike was legitimate. The initial call had been offside, but replays showed the move had been onside, leading to celebrations echoing through the drenched stands.
Reflecting on the comeback, PSG manager Luis Enrique stated, "The team's faith is unshakeable. My team never gives up until the last second and we've often shown it." His sentiment was evident on the pitch, as PSG displayed resilience characteristic of champion-level teams.
For City, the result is devastating. Sitting 25th in the standings, they find themselves outside the playoff places and now face intense pressure to win their next match against Club Brugge to advance to the next stage. Pep Guardiola, Manchester City's manager, was left lamenting after the match, saying, "To defend the result you have to keep the ball. We didn't have it." His frustration illustrated the crisis of confidence engulfing the City squad, which has seen them concede leads far too easily.
Jack Grealish, who had such high hopes following his impactful performance, admitted, "I don't know, usually in these moments, we're so good. Obviously, it's happened too many times this season...we've not been able to control the game and see it out. Like I said, it's weird because, in every other season, we've been so good at managing the game."
This loss accentuates the challenges City has faced not only this season but also over the past year, with their successful Champions League title from 2023 appearing increasingly out of reach. They have fallen victim to lapses in concentration and self-doubt, which has hindered their chances of repeating their success.
For PSG, this victory propels them to 22nd position and reignites their hopes of making it through the group stage, delivering the boost necessary as they prepare for their final match against VfB Stuttgart. Meanwhile, Manchester City must regroup quickly and focus on winning their next match, lest they face the ignominy of failing to make it to the knockout rounds after such lofty expectations drilled upon them.
Only time will tell if this stunning comeback is the catalyst for PSG's revival, or if Manchester City can reclaim their lost rhythm just when it's needed most. With the final matches on the horizon next Wednesday, anticipation builds for another dramatic chapter in this captivating tournament.