By Our Reporter
Manchester City returned to winning ways in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Greek champions AEK Athens at the Etihad Stadium, inspired by Phil Foden’s hat-trick.
Foden scored three goals, while Elliot Anderson and Rayan Cherki also found the net as City delivered a dominant performance despite resting their leading striker, Erling Haaland.
Anderson opened the scoring in the 12th minute with his first goal for Manchester City, giving the hosts an early advantage.
Foden doubled City’s lead in the 34th minute, finishing off the team’s attacking move to put the English side firmly in control before half-time.
AEK Athens briefly threatened a comeback after the restart when Stavros Palios scored in the 52nd minute to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
However, City’s response was swift. Cherki restored the two-goal cushion in the 57th minute before Foden struck again in the 65th minute to extend the hosts’ advantage.
The England international completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, sealing an impressive individual performance and City’s comprehensive victory.
The result was particularly encouraging for Foden, who has endured difficult spells over the past two seasons and a frustrating start to the current campaign following his sending-off in last month’s Manchester derby.
His recent performances suggest he is regaining his best form at a crucial stage of the season.
City also demonstrated their squad depth, with manager Enzo Maresca making several changes and giving opportunities to players outside his regular starting line-up.
Haaland, who had reportedly experienced an injury scare, was rested and remained on the bench throughout the encounter. Youngster Floyd Samba was handed the opportunity to lead the attack in his absence.
Despite AEK’s brief second-half response, Manchester City controlled the contest and proved superior in attack, creating the platform for a convincing Champions League victory.
Foden’s three-goal display was the standout feature of the evening as City strengthened their European campaign and gained renewed momentum.