Manchester City’s winless streak stretched to six games on Tuesday as Feyenoord staged an astonishing comeback from three goals down to draw 3-3 in the UEFA Champions League at the Etihad Stadium.
City appeared to be in control after racing to a 3-0 lead by the 50th minute, but Feyenoord flipped the script with a stunning rally in the final 20 minutes. Goals from Anis Hadj Moussa, Santiago Giménez, and David Hancko sealed a draw that will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in the competition’s history.
Feyenoord’s captain, Quinten Timber, returned to the lineup after recovering from injury, while goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther delivered a standout performance, denying early chances from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden. However, City broke the deadlock in the 41st minute when Haaland converted a penalty after being fouled by Timber.
Early in the second half, City doubled their lead through an Ilkay Gündogan volley, deflected in by Hancko. Moments later, Haaland struck again, capping off a slick counterattack to make it 3-0. At that point, the match seemed all but over.
The tide turned in the 74th minute when Josko Gvardiol’s defensive error allowed Hadj Moussa to beat Ederson and slot home from a tight angle. Eight minutes later, Jordan Lotomba’s cross set up Giménez for Feyenoord’s second, and the comeback was complete in the 89th minute. Igor Paixão outpaced Ederson to deliver a pinpoint cross for Hancko, who headed in the equalizer.
City nearly snatched a late winner, but Jack Grealish’s deflected shot struck the crossbar, and Feyenoord held on to secure an unexpected point. OptaJoe noted that it was the first time in Champions League history a team leading by three goals as late as the 74th minute failed to win.
The draw leaves Feyenoord in 20th place in the 36-team standings, holding onto a play-off position with one group match remaining against Sparta Prague. For Manchester City, the result deepens their recent struggles, raising questions about their form as the season progresses.