Manchester City’s struggles continued as they blew a commanding 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 against Feyenoord in a dramatic Champions League clash on Tuesday. The result extended their winless streak to six matches and highlighted the defensive frailties plaguing the reigning English champions.
Despite snapping a five-game losing run, the draw did little to restore confidence in Pep Guardiola’s squad ahead of a crucial Premier League showdown against leaders Liverpool on Sunday. “We are fragile and lacking confidence,” Guardiola admitted after the match, marking one of the toughest spells of his managerial career.
City appeared to be back to their best as Erling Haaland netted twice, with Ilkay Gundogan adding a deflected goal to put the home side firmly in control. Haaland opened the scoring from the penalty spot, a redeeming moment after missing from the spot in City’s previous Champions League outing. Gundogan’s volley early in the second half doubled the lead before Haaland’s clinical finish from Matheus Nunes’ cross made it 3-0.
But as the match wore on, defensive lapses became City’s undoing. Josko Gvardiol’s careless backpass allowed Anis Hadj Moussa to score Feyenoord’s first in the 75th minute. Moments later, Ederson failed to clear a routine save, gifting Santiago Gimenez an easy equalizer. The nightmare was complete when Rico Lewis played Igor Paixao onside, enabling David Hancko to head home Feyenoord’s third goal into an unguarded net.
City nearly salvaged the win, but Jack Grealish’s late effort hit the crossbar, leaving the home side frustrated.
The draw leaves City precariously placed in 15th on the 36-team group stage table, with eight points from five matches. They are just one point ahead of Feyenoord in 20th.
With trips to Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain looming, City’s path to the knockout stages is far from guaranteed. Only the top eight teams advance directly to the last 16, while teams finishing in the top 24 secure a spot in the playoff round.
City’s defense has been a glaring issue, conceding two or more goals in six consecutive matches for the first time since 1963. Guardiola’s men will need to resolve these vulnerabilities quickly if they are to compete on multiple fronts.
The six-game winless streak, coupled with Tuesday’s collapse, has left fans and pundits questioning City’s composure and consistency. As the Premier League leaders Liverpool await on Sunday, Guardiola faces mounting pressure to turn the tide and restore his side’s dominant form.
