Foden hat-trick leads Manchester City to comfortable Champions League win over AEK Athens

Manchester City got their Champions League campaign back on track with a comfortable 4-1 win over AEK Athens at the Etihad Stadium. Phil Foden delivered the standout performance with a hat-trick, helping Enzo Maresca's side move on from the heavy defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.

• Phil Foden scored three goals and looked back to his best after weeks on the sidelines.
• Elliot Anderson opened the scoring in the 12th minute after a rebound off the crossbar.
• Rayan Cherki made it 3-1 with a precise finish inside the box.
• Stavros Pilios grabbed AEK Athens' only goal of the night.
• Maresca made eight changes and left Erling Haaland on the bench.

Manchester City bounce back in the Champions League after Paris disappointment

The loss in Paris had raised questions about City's form, but the response came quickly. Maresca's team handled the game with professionalism, never needing to hit top gear against limited opposition. Foden's spark and the team's efficiency in front of goal were enough to put the European campaign back on solid ground.

Phil Foden announces his return to form with a Champions League hat-trick

Foden made the most of his starting spot and reminded everyone why he has been one of City's most influential players. His first goal came after a neat combination with Rico Lewis on the right. The second was a stunning first-time finish into the top corner from the edge of the box. The third arrived with a striker's instinct as he met a perfect cross from Ryan McAidoo.

The England international had not scored since mid-December, but his display against AEK showed the confidence is returning. After spending too much time watching from the bench, Foden looked sharp, involved and hungry, and his treble underlined the quality he brings to the side.

Anderson and Cherki contribute in a comfortable night at the Etihad

Elliot Anderson needed only 12 minutes to put City ahead. Enzo Fernández rattled the crossbar with a free-kick and Anderson reacted quickest to smash the rebound into an empty net. The goal was met with quiet approval rather than wild celebration from a subdued home crowd.

Rayan Cherki added the third with a goal of real quality. The Frenchman produced a clever piece of skill inside the area before placing a precise shot into the corner. His finish restored City's breathing space after AEK's surprise equaliser and showed he can step up in key moments.

Maresca rotates heavily and leaves Haaland on the bench

Maresca made eight changes from the previous Premier League win. Erling Haaland was rested and 17-year-old academy product Floyd Samba led the line in his first European start. The teenager had already scored twice on his senior debut in the Carabao Cup against Norwich.

The injury absence of Antoine Semenyo for eight weeks complicated the manager's attacking plans. Samba worked hard, occupied the centre-backs and created space for the players around him, though his ability to replace Haaland in more demanding fixtures remains untested.

AEK Athens offered little threat but their fans brought the noise

The Greek side showed some early intent and enjoyed a fair share of possession in the opening stages, but they lacked quality in the final third and rarely troubled Gianluigi Donnarumma. Their only goal came from a defensive lapse by Abdukodir Khusanov, who lost the ball and allowed Zini to set up Stavros Pilios for a powerful finish.

The goal sparked wild celebrations among the travelling supporters, who filled their section across three tiers and turned their corner of the stadium into a party long before kick-off. Their energy contrasted sharply with an Etihad that had plenty of empty seats, a reflection of the packed fixture schedule and a match many home fans chose to skip.

Allan and City's academy players make the most of European minutes

Brazilian winger Allan was one of City's most entertaining players in the first half. On his Champions League debut, his direct running and skill on the left wing caused constant problems. He almost marked his second home appearance with a goal, but his fierce shot clipped the crossbar.

With seven matches in twenty-one days, fringe players had a chance to impress and several took it. Rico Lewis, who has struggled for minutes in recent months and nearly left the club sixteen months ago, provided an assist and showed his attacking value from full-back. Ryan McAidoo also made an impact off the bench with the cross that completed Foden's treble.