Manchester City produced a dominant performance to defeat AEK Athens 5-1 in their UEFA Champions League league phase match at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
Elliot Anderson opened the scoring in the 12th minute. The midfielder steered home the rebound after a free-kick from Enzo Fernandez struck the crossbar. Then in the 34th minute Phil Foden doubled the lead. He combined neatly with Rico Lewis on the right before finishing past goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli.
After the interval AEK Athens reduced the deficit. Stavros Pilios struck a well-taken effort across Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 52nd minute to make the score 2-1.
However Manchester City restored their two-goal advantage almost immediately. Rayan Cherki found the bottom corner in the 57th minute to make it 3-1. Shortly afterwards Foden scored his second of the night. Rico Lewis teed him up and the midfielder guided a fine finish into the top corner in the 65th minute.
Finally Foden sealed his hat-trick in the 76th minute. Substitute Ryan McAidoo delivered a precise cross and Foden tapped the ball home from close range. The result left Manchester City with their second win of the Champions League campaign. Erling Haaland remained unused on the bench throughout the match.
