Manchester City returned to winning ways in the Champions League with a 5-1 win over AEK Athens at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. The result followed a 4-2 defeat to defending champions Paris Saint-Germain earlier in October. Phil Foden was the headline figure with three goals, his first Champions League goals in nearly 12 months. City also remain perfect in the Premier League, and the win moved them to six points from three European games.
The club is also dealing with a serious off-field situation. One report describes it as a Premier League ruling hanging over the club, but the articles give no further detail, so none is stated here.
Foden had endured a frustrating start to the season after being sent off in the Manchester derby in September 2026. He scored in the Premier League win over Ipswich on Saturday, 17 October, his first goal since December 2025. Against AEK his goals included a lifted finish over goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli in the 34th minute, a shot steered into the top corner and a tap-in. Foden linked up with Rico Lewis and Jeremy Doku in the build-up to his goals, and his hat-trick came with the City side heavily rotated.
City took the lead after 12 minutes through Elliot Anderson, his first goal for the club, who finished from close range after Enzo Fernandez had hit the bar with a free-kick. AEK had an early effort from Kervin Arriaga, and Allan later struck the frame from a tight angle. Fernandez went close early in the second half, but his effort was deflected wide.
AEK pulled one back in the 52nd minute. Substitute Zini ran down the left and fed Stavros Pilios, who cut into the area and drove a powerful low shot past the goalkeeper. Rayan Cherki then added City's third goal before Foden completed his hat-trick, and the visitors had little further threat after that.
Erling Haaland was rested after an injury scare and remained on the bench throughout. Enzo Maresca handed opportunities to fringe players, and Floyd Samba started up front in Haaland's place, a European debut for the youngster. The match gave Maresca a look at his options should the Norwegian be absent for longer, and City's superiority was evident in all departments.
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Manchester City bounced back from a 4-2 defeat to PSG with a 5-1 win at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, as Foden scored all three of his goals and Elliot Anderson opened the scoring.
AI text based on reports by The Independent and The New York Times. Published .