Following a 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca insisted that his squad is performing at a level comparable to the French champions. The match saw City fall behind by three goals in the first half, a period in which the team struggled to contain PSG’s attack. Despite the deficit, City improved significantly after the break, creating multiple scoring opportunities and narrowing the gap before ultimately conceding a fourth goal.

Maresca highlighted the team's resilience in the second half as evidence that they are closing the gap on Europe’s elite clubs. The match, which was attended by former manager Pep Guardiola, marked a rare setback for City, who had maintained an undefeated record in league play this season prior to this result. While the final scoreline indicates a decisive victory for PSG, Maresca emphasized the competitive nature of the second half, suggesting that the team’s tactical adjustments allowed them to challenge their opponents effectively. The loss serves as a significant test for the squad as they continue their Champions League campaign, with the manager maintaining a positive outlook on the team's trajectory despite the defensive lapses in the opening 45 minutes.