Phil Foden Hits Stunning Hat-Trick as Manchester City Thrash AEK Athens in Champions League

Manchester City returned to winning ways in the UEFA Champions League with a commanding 5-1 victory over AEK Athens, as Phil Foden delivered a sensational hat-trick to headline an emphatic attacking performance.

City manager Enzo Maresca made eight changes to the side that defeated Ipswich Town at the weekend, giving several squad players an opportunity to impress. With Erling Haaland remaining on the bench, 17-year-old forward Floyd Samba was handed a starting role, while Foden operated in an advanced attacking position.

Talking about the match, City took the lead in the 12th minute through Anderson, who scored his first goal for the club. Samba was brought down outside the penalty area, allowing Enzo Fernandez to take a free-kick that struck the underside of the crossbar. Anderson reacted quickly to the rebound, holding off Lazaros Rota before drilling the ball into the net to give the hosts an early advantage.

The home side continued to dominate possession and create opportunities, with Brazilian winger Allan coming particularly close to extending the lead in the 23rd minute. His powerful effort from the left side of the penalty area struck the crossbar, while Fernandez also threatened as City maintained relentless pressure on the visitors.

Foden then doubled City's advantage in the 34th minute after an excellent attacking move involving Rico Lewis. The young defender delivered a precise ball into the penalty area, allowing Foden to finish from close range and register his second goal in as many matches following his strike against Ipswich.

Notably, AEK emerged with greater urgency after the break and briefly threatened to make the contest competitive. Their response produced a goal in the 52nd minute when a swift counterattack opened space down the left. Zini carried the ball forward before finding Stavros Pilios, who drove a low finish past Gianluigi Donnarumma to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

The goal gave the visitors renewed hope, but City's response was immediate. In the 57th minute, Cherki produced a moment of individual brilliance, using a clever drag-back to create space inside the penalty area before firing a composed finish beyond goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli. The goal restored City's two-goal cushion and halted AEK's momentum.

Foden then took centre stage once again. In the 65th minute, Lewis supplied another inviting pass, and the England international struck superbly from just inside the penalty area to make it 4-1. His confidence was evident as he continued to find dangerous positions and link effectively with City's attacking players.

The midfielder completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, finishing from close range after an excellent run and cross from substitute Ryan McAidoo. The goal capped a remarkable individual performance and put the result beyond doubt, with Foden scoring three times in a match for the first time since April 2024.