PSG survive Manchester City fightback to stay perfect in Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique admitted his side were fortunate to beat Manchester City 4-2 after resisting a dramatic second-half comeback at Etihad Stadium.

The victory preserved PSG’s perfect start to the Champions League and moved them top of the table after two matches. Manchester City, who were beaten for the first time under manager Enzo Maresca, fell to 17th.

PSG looked in complete control before half-time, with goals from Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha giving the European champions a three-goal lead.

City responded forcefully after the break. Erling Haaland scored twice, the hosts struck the woodwork on two occasions and Nuno Mendes made an important goal-line clearance to prevent another effort from going in.

Maghnes Akliouche restored PSG’s three-goal advantage, while Ferran Torres missed a late penalty as the visitors secured victory in an entertaining contest.

Enrique praised the quality of the match but acknowledged that PSG had been vulnerable during the second half.

“We could have lost this match if they scored the chances that they created,” he said.

“I think it was a very nice match, but the way they play, it’s amazing. We like to play these kind of matches.”

The PSG manager said his team would continue to attack regardless of the scoreline, but accepted that luck had played a part in their success.

“We try to win every single match. We try to score. We don’t stop if we score one or two goals,” he added.

“It’s very nice to feel that but I have to repeat, today we were lucky because in the second half we could have conceded more goals.”

Maresca’s unbeaten start had included victories in his first eight matches in all competitions, but he said City could use the defeat as part of their development.

“From tonight we can learn many things,” he said. “Even if we concede two goals (in two minutes) against the best team in Europe, we need to continue.”

Maresca took charge after Pep Guardiola’s departure and said he remained positive about his opening three months in the role.

“I try to continue to learn from the players because I just arrived three months ago, but the feeling at the moment is very good.”

Guardiola, who won 20 trophies during his decade at City, was at Etihad Stadium to support his former club following the Premier League’s verdict that Manchester City had breached financial rules between 2009 and 2018.

Although City’s defensive display before the interval ultimately proved costly, their reaction after half-time offered encouragement in Maresca’s first defeat as manager.