Phil Foden Drops a Master Class at Etihad, Scores First UCL Hat-Trick As City Thrash AEK 5-1: WATCH

New Delhi, Oct 21: Phil Foden delivered a sensational performance, scoring his first-ever UEFA Champions League hat-trick as Manchester City cruised to a commanding 5-1 victory over AEK Athens at the Etihad Stadium. Foden spearheaded City's attacking masterclass, while Elliott Anderson and Rayan Cherki also found the net to ensure a comfortable European night for the English champions.

Manager Enzo Maresca made sweeping changes to his starting lineup following the weekend's victory over Ipswich Town, with only three players retaining their places. Star striker Erling Haaland was also absent, but City's reshuffled side demonstrated its attacking depth with an impressive display.

City established control in the opening half-hour, taking the lead through Anderson after a free-kick struck the crossbar. The midfielder reacted quickest to the rebound, steering the ball home to give the hosts a deserved advantage.

Foden then doubled City's lead with a composed finish at the end of a slick attacking move. The goal marked another significant moment for the England international, who had ended a lengthy scoring drought the previous weekend.

AEK Athens briefly threatened a comeback after the interval when Stavros Pilios finished off a rapid counter-attack to reduce the deficit to 2-1. However, City's response was immediate and decisive.

WATCH: Phil Foden completes his hat-trick at the Etihad

Cherki restored the two-goal cushion with a superb individual effort, deceiving his marker with a clever dummy before driving the ball into the net with his left foot.

Foden subsequently took centre stage, completing his hat-trick with two clinical finishes. Rico Lewis played a pivotal role in the fourth goal, releasing a perfectly timed pass before squaring the ball for Foden to guide into the top corner. The midfielder then struck again ten minutes later, converting Ryan McAidoo's cross to complete the emphatic 5-1 scoreline.

The victory extended Manchester City's unbeaten home record against teams from outside Europe's top five leagues in the Champions League, underlining their formidable strength at the Etihad.

For Foden, the treble marked a personal milestone and offered a timely reminder of his match-winning quality as City continued their European campaign in commanding fashion.