The second matchday of the Champions League group stage saw Manchester City host Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad Stadium. It’s fair to say that Luis Enrique’s side switched into “Champions League mode,” delivering a true footballing masterclass against the Citizens in the first half. Ultimately, the Rouge et Bleu secured a 4–2 victory—following a more challenging and physically demanding second half. Vitinha, who scored on the night, reflected on the match in an interview with Canal+.
Vitinha: “What we achieved in the first half was exceptional.”
What can you take away from a match like this?
Naturally, we preferred the first half to the second. But that’s how it goes—playing in a tough stadium against a fantastic team. The reality of the second half is perhaps more representative, but what we managed in the first half was truly exceptional. We could even have scored more goals. We showed great solidarity and stayed well-connected as a group—that’s important, and it’s something we’ve demonstrated in previous seasons as well. It was a very difficult match; I’m incredibly proud of this team. Once again, we’ve proven that we are a top-tier side. We need to keep going—this is only the beginning; it’s a long season.
Does this send a message? Is this a match that will prove significant?
Of course—it’s three points. That’s vital for our progress in the league phase. As I said, while we’d love to play like we did in the first half for the entire match, that’s just not realistic. There are plenty of positives, but also some negatives that we need to work on. That’s to be expected—it’s only October—but, by and large, it’s a positive result. It’s a great result here, and I’m very proud of this team—the players who started and the ones who came off the bench. We’re showing that we’re a real team, and that fills my heart with joy.
A quick word on your goal and Zaïre-Emery’s pass?
He saw it—he saw it with the back of his head; he had great vision. He let the ball run, and I was able to finish. It’s perfect.
