Manchester City, AEK Athens, Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki
20 October 2026
Phil Foden scored a hat-trick as Manchester City comfortably defeated AEK Athens 5-1 in the Champions League. The England midfielder delivered his first three-goal performance of the campaign, helping City return to winning ways in Europe after their previous defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.
Elliot Anderson opened the scoring in the 12th minute before Foden doubled the lead in the 34th. Stavros Pilios reduced the deficit early in the second half, but Cherki restored City’s two-goal advantage. Foden completed his hat-trick with further strikes in the 65th and 76th minutes. Manager Enzo Maresca left Erling Haaland on the bench throughout the match. City moved to six points from three Champions League fixtures.