Phil Foden's hat-trick drives Manchester City past AEK Athens FC 5-1

Foden turns control into a decisive win

Manchester City beat AEK Athens FC 5-1 at the Etihad Stadium in the UEFA Champions League League Stage - 3. Phil Foden scored three times, while Elliot Anderson and Rayan Cherki also found the net. Stavros Pilios replied for AEK Athens FC.

City took the lead in the 12th minute when Elliot Anderson scored for 1-0. Phil Foden doubled the advantage in the 34th minute, with Rico Lewis assisting, to make it 2-0 at half-time.

AEK Athens FC reduced the deficit in the 52nd minute through Stavros Pilios, assisted by Ambrósini António Cabaça Salvador. The response was brief: Rayan Cherki restored City's two-goal advantage in the 57th minute for 3-1. Foden then scored in the 65th minute, again assisted by Rico Lewis, before completing his three-goal performance in the 76th minute after Ryan McAidoo's assist. That made the final score 5-1.

City’s control reflected in the numbers

The hosts had 64% possession and completed 636 accurate passes, compared with AEK Athens FC's 36% and 345 accurate passes. City also led total shots 17-11, shots on goal 7-3 and corners 8-3. Their expected goals figure was 2.82, against 1.23 for AEK Athens FC. Josko Gvardiol received Manchester City's only yellow card, in the 59th minute.

Provisional table position after the match

Manchester City are provisionally ranked #6 with 6 points from 3 games, while AEK Athens FC are ranked #27 with 3 points from 3 games. City are 3 points ahead of AEK Athens FC. Paris Saint Germain lead with 9 points; Manchester City trail by 3 and AEK Athens FC by 6. Foden was the standout performer, earning a 9.6 rating across 90 minutes with 3 goals and 1 assist.