Manchester City vs AEK Athens Review
Since March 2018, Manchester City have remained unbeaten at the Etihad Stadium in the UEFA Champions League against teams from outside Europe’s top five leagues, as they secured a 5-1 victory over AEK Athens. City capitalized on their early control within 12 minutes, Enzo Fernandez’s free-kick hit the crossbar, and Elliot Anderson scored his first goal for the club by tapping in the rebound. Enzo Maresca’s team maintained relentless pressure throughout the first half and came close to doubling their lead when Allan also hit the crossbar, but there was no one to convert the rebound this time.
City’s dominance deserved more than just one goal, and their efforts were rewarded 10 minutes before halftime. After a quick exchange of passes with Rico Lewis near the sideline, Phil Foden fired a shot high into the top corner of the net, giving his team a larger lead. City should have gone into the break with a three-goal advantage, but some outstanding saves from Alberto Brignoli in the AEK goal denied Rayan Cherki at the near post. Despite the positives City have displayed this season, at least on the field, they have occasionally appeared vulnerable defensively, and AEK capitalized on this after the interval to get back into the match.
Their goal to reduce the deficit was straightforward, a tireless, unmarked run from deep allowed Stavros Pilios to connect with Zini’s precise pass behind the defense and finish powerfully at the near post. However, City’s attacking quality is immense, and it didn’t take them long to restore their two-goal lead when Cherki calmly placed a left-footed shot into the corner from the edge of the box.
Shortly afterward, City secured the victory with another remarkable goal. Cherki played a key role again, delivering a perfect pass behind the AEK defense, which Lewis set up for Foden to volley into the top corner.
The home team wasn’t finished yet, as Foden completed his first-ever Champions League hat-trick 15 minutes before the end by tapping in Ryan McAidoo’s cross from six yards out. Maresca’s team appeared to respond to AEK’s silent plea for mercy, satisfied with ending their poor streak of four consecutive home games without a win in Tuesday European matches. Meanwhile, the Greek team remains without a win in 20 Champions League away games and now faces the difficult challenge of trying to defeat Real Madrid next.
