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Manchester City Maintains Perfect Champions League Record with 3-1 Victory Over PSG

James O'Connor
James O'Connor
Soccer Analyst
2:49 AM
SOCCER
Manchester City Maintains Perfect Champions League Record with 3-1 Victory Over PSG
Erling Haaland scored twice as City dominated the French champions in a crucial Round of 16 first leg match.

Manchester City took a commanding step toward the Champions League quarterfinals with a dominant 3-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening. Erling Haaland was once again the star of the show, netting two crucial goals that put the English champions in control of the two-leg tie.

The Norwegian striker opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a trademark finish, capitalizing on a perfectly weighted through ball from Kevin De Bruyne. Haaland's movement in the box was exemplary, losing his marker before slotting the ball past PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with clinical precision.

PSG responded well to going behind and found their equalizer just before halftime through Kylian Mbappé. The French superstar showed why he remains one of the world's most dangerous forwards, cutting inside from the left wing and unleashing a curling effort that nestled into the top corner past Ederson. The goal gave the visitors renewed confidence heading into the break.

However, City's quality and depth proved decisive in the second half. Pep Guardiola's tactical adjustments saw his team dominate possession and create numerous chances. The breakthrough came in the 64th minute when Riyad Mahrez found the bottom corner from 20 yards after excellent buildup play involving Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden.

Haaland sealed the victory with his second goal of the evening in the 81st minute, heading home from close range after John Stones had flicked on a corner kick. The 25-year-old's positioning and timing were impeccable, demonstrating the predatory instincts that have made him one of Europe's most feared strikers.

The result puts Manchester City in a strong position ahead of the second leg in Paris in three weeks. PSG will need to score at least three goals at the Parc des Princes to progress, a daunting task against a City defense that has been resolute all season. For Guardiola's men, this performance reinforced their credentials as genuine contenders for European glory once again.

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