Friday 16 October 2026
Night Edition
ZOTPAPER

News without the noise

ZOTPAPER
World

PSG thrash City, Real steal late win in Champions League thriller round

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
Sources2 outlets
Paris Saint-Germain beat Manchester City 4-2 at the Etihad on Wednesday, while Real Madrid scored three goals in seven minutes to beat Roma 4-3 in Rome, completing a stunning comeback from 3-1 down.

Paris Saint-Germain spoiled Manchester City's first home match since the guilty verdict on Premier League financial charges, winning 4-2 in a captivating Champions League contest. The European champions struck three times in the opening 35 minutes through Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha to lead 3-0. City fought back with two Erling Haaland goals and a Maghnes Akliouche strike, but PSG's first-half dominance proved decisive.

Former City manager Pep Guardiola attended the match, sitting with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and chief executive Ferran Soriano. City supporters displayed a banner reading: "I'm City till I die."

In Rome, Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid produced a remarkable comeback. Roma led 3-1 after goals from Marten de Roon, Donyell de Jong (two in six minutes), but Real leveled through Kylian Mbappe (his 72nd goal in his 100th Champions League appearance, making him the youngest to reach that milestone at 27) and then three corner kicks in seven minutes left Roma stunned. who scored a brace. After a early goal from Carlos Espi, Endrick and Antonio Rudiger sealed the 4-3 win.

§

Analysis

Why This Matters

  • PSG's win strengthens their status as Champions League favourites, shaking up Group F while City's loss adds pressure after the guilty verdict's shadow.
  • Real Madrid historic comeback keeps them on track for deep run; Mbappe century milestone highlights record chase.
  • City's home defeat raises questions about morale following the financial ruling and uncertainty.

Background

These Champions League group-stage matches mark the second match day of the 2026-27 season. Real Madrid are 15-time European champions; PSG are defending champions after winning their first title in 2025. City face potential penalties after an independent commission found them guilty on over 100 charges of financial impropriety. The team responded to the verdict with a 3-0 league win at Liverpool but struggled at home here.

Key Perspectives

Manchester City: The team faces a crisis of confidence despite strong Premier League form; the second-half fightback suggests resilience but defeat at Etihad with Guardiola's presence watching deepens uncertainty. PSG: Luis Enrique's side showed brutal efficiency and depth, with Doue's impact off the bench vindicates tactical decisions; they are now clear group leaders. Real Madrid: Mourinho's tactical flexibility and set-piece magic from corners turned a likely defeat into classic comeback; Roma will rue missed chances.

What to Watch

  • City's next Champions League match and upcoming domestic fixtures as they await appeal decision.
  • Real Madrid next match vs. group opponents; Mbappe pursuit of goal records.
  • PSG form in Ligue 1: Can they maintain momentum?

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

How we workSubscribe