Phil Foden delivered a standout performance, netting a hat-trick to propel Manchester City to a dominant 5-1 victory against AEK Athens in Tuesday’s Champions League fixture. The 26-year-old playmaker, who has publicly discussed his recent struggles with mental health, appears to be finding his rhythm again after failing to score for ten months until his recent goal against Ipswich on Saturday. Having ended his run without a goal in the Champions League since November 2025, Foden now has to produce nights like this on a regular basis to complete his revival. Elliot Anderson put City ahead early in the first half with his first goal for the club since his close-season move from Nottingham Forest.
City manager Maresca rotated his squad, making eight changes from the weekend. Despite the absence of striker Erling Haaland, who was rested following a minor foot injury, the Premier League leaders maintained their impressive form, having won 10 of their 11 competitive matches this season. They have won 10 of their 11 games in all competitions this season and even the absence of Erling Haaland couldn’t derail them. With 17-year-old academy graduate Floyd Samba showing flashes of his talent on the flanks, maresca made eight changes from the Ipswich game.
The scoring began in the 12th minute when Elliot Anderson converted into an empty net after Enzo Fernandez’s free-kick struck the crossbar. Foden then extended the lead in the 34th minute, firing into the top corner following an intricate passing sequence with Rico Lewis. Enzo Fernadez’s free-kick cannoned down off the bar and Anderson reacted quicker than the flat-footed AEK defence as the midfielder slotted into the empty net from 10 yards. In the 65th minute, Cherki’s long ball was knocked down by Lewis and Foden arrived to caress his shot into the top corner from 18 yards. Exchanging passes in a blur of movement and precision, Foden and Rico Lewis cut through AEK with ease before Foden fired high into the roof of the net from an acute angle. Picked out by Foden on the edge of the area, Cherki unfurled a balletic turn that took him into space for a fine finish in keeping with his graceful first touch.
Although Stavros Pilios managed to narrow the gap for AEK Athens in the 52nd minute with their first shot on target, City responded quickly.
Rayan Cherki restored the two-goal cushion five minutes later with a skillful finish. City’s understudies took just 12 minutes to seize the lead.
Foden then took control of the match, adding his second goal in the 65th minute after a precise setup from Lewis. He completed his first hat-trick in over two years during the 76th minute, tapping in a cross delivered by Ryan McAidoo. After a significant dip over the last two seasons, Foden provided hope of a renaissance for the England playmaker with a sublime display at the Etihad Stadium.
This performance represents a crucial step in Foden’s revival, as he looks to re-establish himself as a consistent threat following a difficult period that saw him excluded from England’s recent World Cup squad. The victory adds to City’s tally in the competition, following an opening win against Porto and a previous defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Long heralded as one of England’s brightest talents, Foden was left out of his country’s World Cup squad earlier this year in a damning sign of his fall from grace.
In other Champions League action, reigning titleholders Paris Saint-Germain secured a 4-2 win over Barcelona. Late goals from Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz ensured the victory, though the French side faces injury concerns regarding Ousmane Dembele, Marquinhos, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Meanwhile, Liverpool secured a dramatic comeback victory against Villarreal. Elsewhere in Europe, both Roma and Napoli also recorded significant wins as the league phase of the tournament continues to unfold.
