Sang juara bertahan menunjukkan kekuatan mereka lewat kemenangan 4-2, namun tim tamu tampil gigih dan hampir saja memaksakan hasil imbang setelah sempat tertinggal.
Klub asal Prancis tersebut unggul berkat dua gol cepat dalam kurun waktu dua menit dari Desire Doue dan Ousmane Dembele, sebelum Vitinha menambah gol ketiga menjelang jeda babak pertama.
Akan tetapi, City berusaha bangkit melalui dua gol dari Erling Haaland, yang diselingi oleh satu gol dari Maghnes Akliouche.
Pemain asal Norwegia itu—yang kini memegang rekor pencetak gol terbanyak City di kompetisi Eropa—sempat melepaskan tembakan yang membentur mistar gawang, begitu pula dengan Enzo Fernández. Selain itu, Gianluigi Donnarumma juga berhasil menggagalkan eksekusi penalti Ferran Torres di penghujung laga.
Simak cuplikan singkat pertandingan dalam video di atas…
Be at City v AEK Athens!
We welcome the Greek champions in a 20:00 (UK) kick-off on Tuesday 20 October for our third game in this year’s League Phase.
Known for their vociferous support and enjoying their first Champions League campaign since 2018/19, the striking yellow and black colours of AEK Athens make for a spectacle everywhere they go.
And every game counts if we’re to finish in the top eight and ensure safe progression through to the Round of 16.
So make sure you’re there to support the Blues, with adult prices starting from £35 and Under-18s just £20 each.
And why not make a special night of it?
We have a wide range of hospitality packages available, whether you’re looking for an exclusive bar, a dining experience or true once-in-a-lifetime magic, it’s all available at the Etihad Stadium.
In fact, hospitality starts from just £90 per person!
And you can save 20% off your hospitality when you book any two eligible home UEFA Champions League fixtures in the brand-new City Hall or CROSSBAR suites!
