Manchester City routed AEK Athens 5-1 in the UEFA Champions League on October 20, 2026, powered by a hat-trick from Phil Foden at the Etihad Stadium. The dominant win lifted Enzo Maresca’s side to two victories in three league-phase matches following an earlier defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Phil Foden marked his return to form with a commanding treble as Manchester City swept past Greek visitors AEK Athens. The England playmaker, navigating a turbulent period that included well-documented struggles with mental health and a spell out of favor under former management, delivered a virtuoso performance on the left wing before shifting into a false nine role at the Etihad Stadium.
City manager Enzo Maresca made eight changes to his starting lineup following a weekend Premier League victory against Ipswich, leaving Erling Haaland on the bench after the striker picked up a foot injury. The rotation paid immediate dividends when midfielder Elliot Anderson opened the scoring in the 12th minute, reacting fastest to turn home a rebound after Enzo Fernández hammered a free-kick against the crossbar.
Phil Foden Leads the Route With a Sublime Hat-Trick
Foden doubled City’s advantage in the 34th minute, exchanging crisp passes with right-back Rico Lewis before firing high into the roof of the net from an acute angle. Although AEK Athens reduced the deficit early in the second half when Stavros Pilios capitalized on a lapse in defensive concentration to score in the 52nd minute, City quickly slammed the door.
French midfielder Rayan Cherki restored the two-goal cushion in the 57th minute with a balletic turn and finish on the edge of the area, set up by Foden. Foden added his second of the night in the 65th minute by guiding a first-time effort into the top corner from an 18-yard pass by Lewis, then completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute by tapping in a cross from substitute Ryan McAidoo.
It is good news for me because you know he is doing well and this is what we want for many reasons. First of all, because he is a top player and we know that. Happy for him, but also happy for the team that we have one more weapon that we can use.
Enzo Maresca, Manchester City manager
Squad Rotation and Standout Performer Ratings Against AEK Athens
With several first-team regulars sidelined or rested, Maresca deployed a youthful and experimental setup that controlled possession throughout the evening. Rico Lewis anchored the right flank with a tireless shift that yielded two assists, earning an 8.5 player rating from analysts covering the fixture alongside Cherki, who similarly dazzled with his footwork and goal.
Defensively, Abdukodir Khusanov marshaled the center-back position with crucial recovery pace, while debutant Elliot Anderson capped a strong performance in possession with his first goal following his close-season arrival from Nottingham Forest. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma handled occasional pressure from the Greek side as City cruised through the closing stages.
Champions League League Phase Context
The emphatic five-goal display moves City to two wins from three matches in the expansive Champions League league phase, rebounding immediately from a tournament defeat against holders Paris Saint-Germain. Domestically and in Europe, the club continues to operate under the shadow of an impending independent commission verdict regarding more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations.
Despite persistent rumors of potential heavy points deductions that could impact future qualification, Maresca’s squad has secured 10 victories across 11 matches in all competitions this season. Foden noted that playing alongside younger academy graduates in the team forced him to step into a more mature leadership role on the pitch.
Slowly, but surely. Still got a long way to go, but I am going in the right direction. Scoring along the way definitely helps. I want to keep working hard and keep being the best I can for the manager and the team.
Phil Foden, Manchester City forward
Foden concluded by emphasizing his commitment to maintaining this personal progress while continuing to support the broader goals of the manager and the entire Manchester City squad.