Champions League: Foden nets hat-trick as Man City crush AEK Athens

Phil Foden scored a hat-trick as Manchester City cruised to a 5-1 win over AEK Athens at the Etihad Stadium to claim their second win in the UEFA Champions League campaign.

City delivered a commanding response after suffering a 4-2 home defeat to reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last week, producing a superb attacking display despite the absence of striker Erling Haaland.

Elliot Anderson opened the scoring in the first half with his first goal for City, and Foden doubled the hosts’ advantage before half-time, ending a difficult spell in front of goal. Stavros Pilios pulled one back for the Greek visitors after the break, but City quickly regained control.

Read Also: Champions League: PSG beat Barcelona in six-goal thriller

Rayan Cherki extended City’s lead with a characteristically inventive finish before Foden struck twice more to complete his hat-trick and seal a comprehensive victory.

The result gives City six points from their opening three league-phase matches, having beaten Porto before losing to PSG.

Despite the impressive victory, uncertainty continues to surround the club off the pitch as Manchester City await the outcome of their appeal against an independent commission’s findings concerning alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.

Reports of a potentially severe points deduction have fuelled speculation about the club’s future, although the outcome of the proceedings remains uncertain.

The financial case has not appeared to derail City’s performances on the pitch. The team has continued to collect victories across competitions, while supporters have maintained their backing for the Abu Dhabi-owned club.

With Haaland unavailable, Foden’s three-goal performance demonstrated City’s attacking depth and ability to find alternative sources of goals.

City will now look to build on the victory as they continue their pursuit of Champions League success.