UCL: PSG shock City in thrilling 4-2 win as Arsenal near last 16

Paris Saint-Germain mounted a dramatic comeback to defeat Manchester City 4-2 on Wednesday, putting the Premier League side on the verge of Champions League elimination. Meanwhile, Arsenal almost sealed their place in the last 16.

Reigning champions Real Madrid kept their hopes alive for a top-eight finish with a dominant 5-1 win over Red Bull Salzburg, while Bayern Munich’s automatic qualification hopes took a blow following a 3-0 loss to Feyenoord.

City, led by Pep Guardiola, were left stunned after blowing a two-goal advantage. Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland had put them in control early in the second half amid heavy rain at the Parc des Princes.

However, PSG responded quickly with substitute Ousmane Dembele pulling one back, and Bradley Barcola’s strike levelled the score after Desire Doue’s shot rebounded off the crossbar.

Joao Neves’ diving header put PSG ahead, before Goncalo Ramos sealed the win with a fourth goal, lifting PSG from 26th to 22nd in the standings and pushing City out of the top spots for knockout qualification.

“I don’t know how we did it, to be honest,” PSG coach Luis Enrique told Canal Plus.

“We started the second half in the worst way possible by conceding two goals. It was tricky at that point, but at the same time this team believes in itself.”

City, the European champions in 2023, are down in 25th having failed to win any of their last four games in the competition and must beat Club Brugge at home next week to salvage their campaign.

“I accept the defeat because the best team won,” said Guardiola.

“It’s in our hands, we have to win the last game,” he added. “Hopefully we can qualify. If it doesn’t happen, we don’t deserve it.”

Arsenal are one step away from securing a place in the last 16 after a 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb, with goals from Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Martin Ødegaard. This marks their fifth win in seven European games.

“It’s a massive step. We’re very close to achieving the goal we set before the group stage started,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking to TNT Sports.

With one game remaining in the league phase, a trip to Girona, the Gunners sit third in the 36-team table, three points ahead of ninth-placed Aston Villa, with a significantly better goal difference.