Manchester City on the brink of Champions League setback

Pep Guardiola expressed his frustration after Manchester City’s 2-4 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, admitting that his side "could not cope" with PSG's relentless pressure. Despite leading 2-0 early in the second half, City collapsed and saw their Champions League ambitions put in jeopardy. City looked firmly in control when Jack Grealish scored just after the break, followed by Erling Haaland’s header doubling their advantage. However, PSG responded emphatically. A quick-fire brace from Kylian Mbappé and a second-half penalty from Lionel Messi turned the tide in favor of the French side.

Guardiola, visibly disappointed, reflected on his team's inability to handle the pressure exerted by PSG in the latter stages of the match. The defeat left City on the verge of elimination, with their hopes of advancing in the Champions League hanging by a thread. City had shown flashes of brilliance but ultimately paid the price for defensive lapses and missed opportunities. The result highlighted the ruthlessness of PSG, who capitalized on every mistake, exposing City’s vulnerabilities at crucial moments in the match. Guardiola will need to rally his team ahead of the return leg, as City face an uphill battle to keep their European dream alive.

Manchester City looked set to secure a vital victory after Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland scored early in the second half, giving the visitors a 2-0 lead. However, Paris Saint-Germain responded fiercely. Ousmane Dembele pulled one back for PSG, followed by Bradley Barcola's equalizer on the hour mark. PSG then took the lead through a header from Joao Neves in the 78th minute, and in stoppage time, Goncalo Ramos sealed the win with their fourth goal.

The defeat left City in a precarious position in the Champions League standings, now 25th out of 36 teams with just eight points from seven games. PSG’s victory saw them move ahead of City, leaving Guardiola's men needing a strong finish to secure qualification. Only the top 24 teams progress to the knockout stages, and City's hopes now rest on their final group match against Club Brugge next Wednesday. A win in that fixture should see the reigning European champions advance to the play-off round.

"They were better. We have to accept it, We have the last chance at home against Bruges. We will do everything there and if we don't it is because we don't deserve it," Pep Guardiola told reporters.