Manchester City win 5-1 against AEK Athens in a convincing UEFA Champions League performance.

The UEFA Champions League League Phase match took place on 20 October 2026 at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. Manchester City hosted Greek side AEK Athens in front of a home crowd, looking to strengthen their position in the competition.

How it unfolded

The home side opened the scoring early, when Elliot Anderson headed a set-piece situation into the net with a left-footed shot from very close range in the 12th minute. The goal gave City an early lead and set the tone for the first half.

City doubled their advantage in the 34th minute when Phil Foden, assisted by Rico Lewis, struck a right-footed shot from the right side of the six-yard box into the top right corner. The precision of the finish made it 2-0.

AEK Athens pulled one back shortly after the break. In the 52nd minute, Stavros Pilios capitalised on a fast break, receiving a pass from Zine and firing a left-footed shot from the left side of the box into the bottom right corner, reducing the deficit to 2-1.

Manchester City responded quickly. Five minutes later, in the 57th minute, Rayan Cherki scored from the centre of the box with a left-footed strike to the bottom left corner, the move being set up by Phil Foden. The score moved to 3-1.

Two minutes after Cherki’s goal, Josko Gvardiol was shown a yellow card in the 59th minute for a bad foul. The booking did not alter the flow of the game.

City continued to press and extended their lead in the 65th minute when Phil Foden, again assisted by Rico Lewis, placed a left-footed shot from the centre of the box into the top left corner, making it 4-1.

Foden completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, finishing a move that began with Ryan McAidoo’s assist. The French forward’s left-footed close-range finish sent the ball into the top left corner, sealing a 5-1 victory for Manchester City.

Standout performers

Phil Foden was the standout player, scoring three goals and providing an assist for Rayan Cherki’s strike. His contributions accounted for the majority of City’s goals.

Rico Lewis supplied two assists for Foden’s second- and fourth-minute goals, demonstrating his creative influence from midfield.

Rayan Cherki added a well-timed finish to the scoreline, while Elliot Anderson’s early goal set the platform for the home side.

For AEK Athens, Stavros Pilios offered a bright moment with his goal, assisted by Zine, but the team could not sustain the pressure.

Match facts

  • Final score: Manchester City 5-1 AEK Athens
  • Scorers: Elliot Anderson (12'), Phil Foden (34', 65', 76'), Rayan Cherki (57') – Manchester City; Stavros Pilios (52') – AEK Athens
  • Assist providers: Rico Lewis (34', 65'), Phil Foden (57'), Ryan McAidoo (76'), Zine (52')
  • Yellow card: Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City, 59')
  • Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester

What it means

The comprehensive win secures three points for Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League League Phase, reinforcing their campaign, while AEK Athens must look to recover in their upcoming fixtures after the heavy defeat.