Hosts forfeit three-goal lead in another setback

Football

Manchester City are in the worst form of their time under Pep Guardiola but you would still never bet against them.

However, they failed to beat Feyenoord in the Champions League, despite being 3-0 up with 30 minutes left to play.

The Citizens were unable to win for the first time in six matches and finally close the book on their dark chapter.

Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the first half, winning and converting a penalty.

Ilkay Gundogan then volleyed home early in the second half with Haaland grabbing a second a few minutes later.

But the Premier League champions would be undone again thanks to goals from Anis Hadj Moussa, Santiago Gimenez and David Hancko.

How it happened

Erling Haaland was central to the early pressure, forcing Feyenoord’s keeper into a pair of fine saves, including a diving effort to deny a header in the 10th minute.

Despite a flurry of opportunities, City struggled to convert until the 44th minute.

A penalty, won by Haaland after a foul by Feyenoord captain Timber, was clinically dispatched by the Norwegian to give the hosts a deserved 1-0 lead at the break.

City’s momentum carried into the second half as Ilkay Gundogan doubled their advantage in the 50th minute with a deflected effort from the edge of the box.

Moments later, Matheus Nunes orchestrated a quick counter-attack, delivering a precise cross to Haaland, who slid in his second goal of the night to make it 3-0.

Feyenoord appeared out of the contest, struggling to cope with City’s relentless pace.

However, the visitors were handed a lifeline in the 75th minute when a defensive mix-up allowed Anis Hadj Moussa to score from a tight angle.

Sensing an opportunity, Feyenoord increased their intensity and halved the deficit just seven minutes later.

Santiago Giménez capitalised on a scrappy sequence in the box, chesting the ball into the net following a rebound off the post.

City’s defence, so assured earlier, began to falter under pressure, and Feyenoord seized their chance.

In the 89th minute, Igor Paixao beat the offside trap to latch onto a long ball, rounding an onrushing Ederson. Paixao’s perfectly weighted cross found David Hancko, who powered a header into the net to complete the comeback.

The hosts had opportunities to restore their lead in stoppage time, with Jack Grealish striking the post from distance.

Despite their late efforts, City could not find a winner, leaving players and fans alike stunned at how the game had slipped away.

Guardiola will be left with serious questions as City’s defensive frailties continue to undermine their performances.

Despite Haaland’s brace and an impressive attacking display for much of the match, City’s inability to close out games has become a worrying trend.

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