Erling Haaland of Manchester City reacts as Gernot Trauner of Feyenoord celebrates at full-time.

UCL 2024-25: Man City Stunned Again as Feyenoord Fights Back to Draw 3-3

Manchester City’s turbulent season took another dramatic twist as Feyenoord staged a remarkable late comeback to draw 3-3 at the Etihad Stadium in a thrilling Champions League encounter. After enduring five consecutive defeats in all competitions, City appeared poised to return to winning ways, racing to a three-goal lead within 50 minutes. However, a late collapse saw the English champions concede three goals in the final 15 minutes, leaving Pep Guardiola’s men with more questions than answers ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against leaders Liverpool on Sunday.

Guardiola, visibly frustrated, described his squad as “fragile” and bereft of confidence, reflecting on what has been the most challenging period of his illustrious managerial career. Despite snapping their losing streak, City’s defensive frailties were laid bare, keeping their path to the Champions League knockout stages uncertain.

A Dream Start Turned Nightmare

City’s talisman Erling Haaland appeared to have restored order, scoring twice and taking his Champions League tally to an astonishing 46 goals in 44 appearances. His first came from the penalty spot after being fouled during a corner, a moment of redemption after his recent miss against Sporting Lisbon. Ilkay Gundogan doubled the advantage early in the second half with a deflected volley, and Haaland’s precise finish off a Matheus Nunes cross made it 3-0.

With a comfortable lead, City seemed set to cruise to victory. However, lapses in concentration at the back opened the door for Feyenoord. Josko Gvardiol’s errant back pass gifted Anis Hadj Moussa a lifeline, which he took with a composed finish past Ederson.

Moments later, the Dutch side struck again, as Santiago Gimenez capitalized on a chaotic defensive sequence to bring the visitors within one goal. Feyenoord’s belief grew, and in the dying moments, David Hancko completed the comeback, heading into an open net after more disarray in City’s backline.

Champions League Hurdles

The draw leaves Manchester City in a precarious position. They sit 15th in the 36-team table, with eight points from five matches, just one point ahead of Feyenoord, who are in 20th. With challenging trips to Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain still to come, City’s path to securing a spot in the knockout stages—or even the playoff round—remains arduous.

Only the top eight teams progress directly to the last 16, while those finishing in the top 24 must navigate an additional playoff round. For a team that has dominated English football in recent years, their current form is a stark departure from the relentless winning machine Guardiola has built.

Defensive Woes

City’s defensive issues have reached historic proportions, with the team conceding two or more goals in six consecutive matches for the first time since 1963. Guardiola’s attempts to stabilize the side—making three changes to the lineup following Saturday’s 4-0 loss to Tottenham—offered no respite. Jack Grealish, Nathan Ake, and Matheus Nunes were brought in, but the cracks remained evident.

The defensive lapses were compounded by poor decision-making and lackluster organization, leaving Guardiola with much to ponder. “We’re vulnerable, and that’s something we need to fix immediately,” he admitted post-match.

A Glimmer of Hope

Despite the disappointment, there were flashes of brilliance, particularly from Haaland, who looked determined to drag City out of their slump. His clinical finishing and relentless work ethic provided a silver lining in an otherwise gloomy evening.

However, City’s inability to see out games and their susceptibility to pressure will continue to haunt them unless swift changes are made. With a daunting trip to Anfield looming, Guardiola’s side must regroup quickly to avoid further derailment.

For Feyenoord, the result represents a significant achievement, as they fought valiantly to secure a crucial point in their quest for European glory. Their resilience and determination exposed City’s vulnerabilities, providing a blueprint for others to follow.

Conclusion

Manchester City’s season teeters on the edge, with confidence at an all-time low and critical fixtures ahead. While the draw against Feyenoord ends their losing streak, it feels more like a missed opportunity than a step forward. For Guardiola and his squad, the road to redemption is fraught with challenges—and time is running out to find answers.

Source: sportstar