Manchester City defeated AEK Athens 5-1 in their UEFA Champions League match at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, according to Punch. The result marked the English club's second win in the league phase, following an opening victory against Porto and a subsequent loss to Paris Saint-Germain. Phil Foden was the standout performer, scoring a hat-trick that the publication described as a signal of his long-awaited return to form after a period of inconsistency.
Foden, who had not scored for ten months prior to a recent goal against Ipswich, broke his scoring drought in the Champions League since November 2025. The 26-year-old midfielder had previously been omitted from England’s World Cup squad, a move that highlighted his fall from grace. His performance in this match included a goal in the 34th minute, followed by two more in the second half to complete his treble. Punch noted that Foden now needs to replicate such displays regularly to solidify his revival.
Elliot Anderson opened the scoring for Manchester City in the first half, marking his first goal for the club since his transfer from Nottingham Forest. Although Stavros Pilios reduced the deficit for AEK Athens in the 52nd minute, Manchester City quickly re-established their lead. Rayan Cherki scored the third goal with a skillful finish, assisted by Foden. The match concluded with Foden’s final goal in the 76th minute, tapping in a cross from Ryan McAidoo.
Manager Enzo Maresca made eight changes to the starting lineup from the previous game against Ipswich, with Erling Haaland starting on the bench due to a foot injury. The 17-year-old academy graduate Floyd Samba also featured, showing flashes of talent on the flanks. Punch reported that Manchester City’s future remains uncertain as they await the outcome of their appeal against a verdict finding them guilty of over 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules. Despite reports of a potential points deduction, the team has won 10 of their 11 matches in all competitions this season.