Manchester City return to the Etihad on Champions League matchday three with AEK Athens arriving level on three points, making the contest an early test of who can turn a first win into a stronger position in the league phase.
City sit 17th after contrasting European nights. Enzo Maresca’s side opened with a victory over Porto at the Estádio do Dragão, then lost 4-2 at home to Paris Saint-Germain after falling three goals behind inside the opening half-hour.
Erling Haaland scored both City goals against PSG, but the striker is a doubt for the visit of AEK because of an ankle problem. His availability could shape a match in which the home side begin as clear favourites despite the identical points tally.
Quick facts
- Manchester City and AEK Athens each have three Champions League points.
- City are 17th in the standings, three places above AEK.
- City beat Porto in their opening match before losing 4-2 to PSG.
- AEK defeated LASK 1-0, then were beaten by Shakhtar Donetsk at Stamford Bridge.
- Marin and Majer have scored AEK’s two European goals.
- Both clubs remain unbeaten in domestic competition.
AEK travel to England from 20th place, their European campaign also split between a winning start and a setback last week. The Greek club edged LASK 1-0 in the first round, before Shakhtar Donetsk defeated them at Stamford Bridge.
Marin and Majer supplied the goals across those two fixtures. AEK now face a more demanding assignment: taking their first Champions League points away from home against a City team seeking to restore control of its European week.
Neither side has carried its continental disappointment into league football. City lead the Premier League with seven wins from seven, while AEK are fourth in Greece after four victories and two draws.
That domestic form gives the night a different edge for both teams. City have the chance to turn an uneven start into six points and renewed momentum, while AEK can move out of the lower reaches of the table by resisting the pressure at the Etihad.
