Man City’s 3-0 Lead Erased in Stunning 3-3 Draw vs. Feyenoord in Champions League
Manchester City suffered a dramatic collapse in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, squandering a 3-0 lead against Feyenoord to end up with a 3-3 draw. The result extended City's winless run and continued their struggles in both domestic and European competitions.
City appeared to be in control after Erling Haaland converted a penalty and scored from close range, with Ilkay Gundogan also finding the net via a deflected strike. Their three-goal advantage seemed secure, but Feyenoord launched a remarkable comeback, scoring three times in just 15 minutes.
The first goal came after a poor pass from Josko Gvardiol, whose errant backward ball was intercepted by Anis Hadj Moussa, who finished past Ederson to pull one back for the visitors. Gvardiol's errors continued when he misjudged a pass to James McAtee, allowing Santiago Gimenez to bundle the ball over the line to make it 3-2 in the 82nd minute.
In the 89th minute, Feyenoord completed their stunning fightback when Igor Paixao's cross was headed home by David Hancko, securing an unlikely draw and leaving the City players and fans stunned.
Despite Manchester City ending their five-match losing streak, their defensive frailties and mental lapses continue to raise concerns. Defender Nathan Ake acknowledged the team's inability to cope with the mounting pressure after Feyenoord's first goal, stating, “We have to stay mentally stronger. It feels like a defeat.”
This draw marks City's sixth consecutive match conceding two or more goals, a concerning stat not seen since the 1963 season when they were relegated. While relegation remains highly unlikely, with City still well within the Premier League top tier, their upcoming clash with league leaders Liverpool—currently eight points ahead—adds more pressure to their fragile form.
As Manchester City prepares to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, the pressure on Pep Guardiola's side to correct their defensive issues grows ever more intense.
