Phil Foden delivered a stunning hat-trick as Manchester City swept aside AEK Athens 5-1 in the UEFA Champions League group phase, ending a difficult run of results in Europe's premier club competition.

The England midfielder was at his brilliant best, controlling the match with a virtuoso performance that left the Greek side with no answer throughout the 90 minutes. City's comfortable margin of victory underlined just how dominant Foden and his teammates were on the night.

The win marks a significant return to form for Pep Guardiola's side in the Champions League, with the emphatic scoreline sending a clear message to their European rivals. AEK Athens, competing at this level of the competition, found Manchester City's firepower far too much to handle.

Foden's display was the standout moment of the evening — a reminder of why the attacking midfielder is regarded as one of the most gifted players of his generation. His three goals capped a complete team performance that will boost morale ahead of what promises to be a demanding schedule for City in the weeks to come.