Pep Guardiola admitted his Manchester City side “could not cope” with Paris Saint-Germain, as the English champions squandered a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 in a critical Champions League clash on Wednesday. The defeat leaves City’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages hanging by a thread.

“They were better. We have to accept it,” Guardiola said after the match at the Parc des Princes. “We have the last chance at home against Bruges. We will do everything there, and if we don’t, it is because we don’t deserve it. It’s sport, and it is like that.”

City appeared in control when Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland scored early in the second half, but PSG turned the game around. Ousmane Dembele pulled one back before Bradley Barcola equalized on the hour mark. Joao Neves’ header in the 78th minute gave PSG the lead, and Goncalo Ramos sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal.

The result moves PSG above City in the standings. Guardiola’s side now sits 25th out of 36 teams, with eight points from seven matches. Only the top 24 teams qualify for the knockout stages, meaning City must beat Club Brugge at home next Wednesday to secure their spot in the play-off round.

Before that decisive match, City face Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday, a key game in their push for a top-four finish domestically.

“I knew it would be tough. PSG is an exceptional team. We could not cope,” Guardiola admitted. “When one team plays better, you have to accept it. Now we prepare for Chelsea and, of course, the final against Bruges. The players gave everything.”

Guardiola also addressed the condition of defender Ruben Dias, who was substituted at halftime. “He asked to be replaced because he didn’t feel good,” the coach explained. Dias had only recently returned from injury.

With their Champions League hopes flickering, Manchester City must regroup quickly to avoid a premature European exit while maintaining their domestic ambitions.