A night of contrasting fortunes unfolded in the Champions League as Manchester City suffered a crushing defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, while Real Madrid celebrated an emphatic victory with a goal-fest.
The latest round of Champions League fixtures delivered drama, disappointment, and delight in equal measure. At the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain stunned Manchester City with a dominant performance, securing a 4-1 victory that left Pep Guardiola's side reeling.
PSG’s star-studded lineup, led by Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi, tore through City’s defense. Mbappé opened the scoring in the 12th minute, followed by a spectacular strike from Messi that doubled PSG’s lead. Despite City’s attempts to mount a comeback, further goals from Achraf Hakimi and Marco Verratti sealed the deal. Bernardo Silva’s consolation goal in the 78th minute was not enough to salvage City’s pride.
Meanwhile, at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid delivered a masterclass against Shakhtar Donetsk, dismantling their opponents with a 6-0 victory. Vinícius Júnior was the standout performer, netting a hat-trick, while Jude Bellingham, Luka Modrić, and Rodrygo added to the tally. The win cemented Madrid’s place at the top of their group and sent a clear message to their European rivals.
The results highlight the unpredictable nature of the Champions League, with PSG sending shockwaves through Europe and Madrid reinforcing their reputation as a dominant force. For Manchester City, questions will be asked about their ability to cope with high-pressure matches against elite opposition.