Manchester City secured their first win of the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Slovan Bratislava. Goals from Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, and youngster James McAtee highlighted City’s dominance in Slovakia, keeping them undefeated after two group-stage games.
Foden Finds Form Again
Phil Foden, who had struggled with injuries and form early in the season, was one of the standout performers in City’s impressive victory. The England midfielder not only scored his first goal of the campaign but also provided an assist for McAtee’s 74th-minute goal. Foden’s composed finish in the 15th minute, following Jeremy Doku’s precise pass, gave City a 2-0 lead and provided a glimpse of the player who won last season’s PFA Player of the Year award.
Pep Guardiola praised Foden’s performance, noting that while the 23-year-old is still working his way back to peak form, his contributions were crucial to the team’s success. “He still is not at his best,” said Guardiola. “Step by step, he’s coming back.”
City’s Midfield Duo Shines
Ilkay Gundogan, playing his first season back at City after a stint at Barcelona, opened the scoring just eight minutes into the match. His deflected shot from the edge of the box found the back of the net, giving City an early advantage. Gundogan’s return has been timely, especially after Rodri’s season-ending injury, and his leadership on the field was evident as he captained the side for the first time this season.
The German midfielder could have added to his tally, hitting the crossbar later in the first half and being denied by a stellar save from Slovan goalkeeper Dominik Takac.
Haaland Strikes Again
Erling Haaland continued his blistering form in Europe, scoring his 11th goal of the season and his 42nd goal in the UEFA Champions League. Haaland’s goal came in the 58th minute when he effortlessly rounded Takac after receiving a perfectly timed pass from Rico Lewis. The Norwegian’s clinical finishing was on display once again, reinforcing his position as one of the most lethal forwards in world football.
Haaland was substituted shortly after his goal, with Guardiola keen to preserve his star striker for future challenges.
McAtee’s Dream Moment
One of the most heartwarming moments of the night came in the 74th minute when 21-year-old James McAtee scored his first-ever goal for Manchester City. Foden’s clever flick set up the young midfielder, who calmly slotted the ball into the net. McAtee, who has been with City since he was 11, described the moment as a “dream come true,” and Guardiola expressed his delight for the youngster’s breakthrough.
Also read Arsenal’s Depth and Havertz’s Form Shine in Victory Over PSG.
City’s Dominance
City completely outclassed their Slovakian opponents, firing 28 shots, 14 of which were on target. The Premier League champions were relentless throughout the match, hitting the woodwork three times and forcing Slovan keeper Takac into several impressive saves.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Takac was arguably Slovan’s best player, preventing the score from becoming even more embarrassing for the home side. His quick reflexes kept out powerful efforts from Gundogan, Foden, and John Stones in the dying moments of the match.
The Road Ahead
Manchester City, now with four points from two group-stage games, will look to build on this performance as they continue their pursuit of European glory. With players like Foden rediscovering their form and young talents like McAtee stepping up, Pep Guardiola’s side appears well-equipped to challenge for back-to-back Champions League titles.
Slovan Bratislava, on the other hand, face an uphill battle after back-to-back heavy defeats, with their Champions League dreams hanging by a thread.
Key Player Stats: Expected Goals in the Champions League
| Player | Expected Goals | Goals Scored |
|---|---|---|
| Phil Foden | 0.85 | 1 |
| Erling Haaland | 1.00 | 1 |
| Ilkay Gundogan | 0.78 | 1 |
| James McAtee | 0.60 | 1 |
Manchester City’s next challenge will be maintaining their winning form as they navigate a busy fixture list in both the Premier League and Champions League.
