Manchester City’s Champions League hopes hang by a thread after a stunning collapse saw them squander a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night.
The defeat has plunged Pep Guardiola’s side into the competition’s relegation zone with just one match remaining.
City must now beat Club Brugge next week to have any chance of reaching the playoff round.
Jack Grealish made an instant impact after coming on as a half-time substitute, lashing home a volley in the 50th minute following a scramble in the PSG box.
City went 2-0 up before losing 4-2 against PSG on Wednesday night
Reuters
Just three minutes later, City appeared to be cruising when Erling Haaland doubled their advantage with a close-range tap-in after Grealish’s cross was diverted into his path by João Neves.
PSG’s fightback began in the 56th minute when Bradley Barcola burst past Matheus Nunes before squaring for Ousmane Dembele to slot home.
Just four minutes later, Barcola turned from provider to scorer, steering in the rebound after Desire Doue’s curling effort had struck the crossbar.
The Parc des Princes erupted as PSG sensed panic in City’s backline.
The hosts completed their remarkable turnaround in the 78th minute when Joao Neves was left unmarked at the far post to score with a diving header from Vitinha’s free-kick.
City’s misery was compounded deep into stoppage time as Goncalo Ramos made it 4-2, with VAR confirming the goal after ruling the final touch came off defender Josko Gvardiol.
The defeat leaves City in 25th place, one spot inside the Champions League relegation zone – a dramatic fall for last season’s champions.
Guardiola’s side must now secure victory against Club Brugge at the Etihad Stadium next Wednesday to maintain any hope of avoiding elimination.
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Erling Haaland put City 2-0 up minutes after the break
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The pressure will be immense, with City having won just two of their seven Champions League matches this season.
Guardiola’s tactical changes proved pivotal, as he made two bold half-time substitutions by removing captain Ruben Dias and Savinho for Rico Lewis and Jack Grealish.
While these changes initially paid dividends with City’s two quick goals, their defensive structure crumbled in the latter stages, with spaces opening up alarmingly frequently.
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PSG managed an incredible comeback after being sparked into life by Bradley Barcola
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The reshuffled backline, which later saw John Stones introduced, proved particularly vulnerable to PSG’s high-tempo attacks.
PSG’s victory lifted them into 22nd place, moving two points clear of City and putting their playoff qualification hopes firmly in their own hands.
Luis Enrique’s side will travel to Stuttgart for their final match, with the German side also in contention for a playoff spot.