Manchester City dominated Slovakian minnows Slovan Bratislava in a 4-0 victory in the UEFA Champions League, with Phil Foden scoring his first goal of the season and Erling Haaland also finding the back of the net. Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring with a deflected volley, while Slovan struggled to get out of their own half and were saved by the woodwork on three occasions. Haaland added a third goal just before the hour mark, and substitute James McAtee scored City’s fourth.
The match was a one-sided affair, with City displaying their dominance throughout. The win marked City’s first Champions League victory of the season, and they are now unbeaten in 12 UCL away matches. Foden’s goal was significant as he has struggled with illness this season, and it was only his second start of the campaign. The 24-year-old’s performance will be a boost for City manager Pep Guardiola, who will be pleased to see Foden back in form.
In addition to Foden, City gave playing time to other young players such as Matheus Nunes, Rico Lewis, and McAtee, showcasing the depth of their squad. Haaland’s presence on the field made the match a mismatch, with the forward taking advantage of the space afforded to him. The victory was a perfect evening’s work for the Premier League champions, who will now shift their focus to their upcoming match against Fulham in the Premier League.
Foden was named the Player of the Match for his stellar performance, which included a goal, hitting the woodwork, and providing an assist. The forward’s ability to inject pace into City’s play and create opportunities was vital in their victory. The player ratings reflected City’s overall dominance, with standout performances from Foden, Lewis, Stones, and Gundogan. The match highlights included goals from Gundogan, Foden, Haaland, and McAtee, showcasing City’s attacking prowess.
Looking ahead, TNT Sports will continue to broadcast over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League across the 2024/25 season. Fans in the UK can access these matches on discovery+, which offers a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport, and entertainment content in one destination. City’s impressive performance against Slovan Bratislava sets the tone for their Champions League campaign and highlights the depth and talent of their squad.
