Sports Desk, Feb 14 (EFE).- Manchester City took the first step towards the quarterfinals of the Champions League by winning the first leg of the round of 16 against Copenhagen 3-1 in a match that they dominated clearly.
FCK’s Magnus Mattsson (L) celebrates with his teammates Rasmus Falk and Kevin Diks after scoring the 1-1 goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg soccer match between FC Copenhagen and Manchester City, in Copenhagen, Denmark, 13 February 2024. EFE-EPA/Liselotte Sabroe DENMARK OUT
The reigning champions of the tournament had enough opportunities to score more but were denied a greater advantage going into the second leg at Etihad Stadium on Mar. 6 by Copenhagen goalkeeper Kamil Grabara.
FC Copenhagen’s Oscar Hoejlund and Manchester City’s Phil Foden in action during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg soccer match between FC Copenhagen and Manchester City, in Copenhagen, Denmark, 13 February 2024. EFE-EPA/Liselotte Sabroe DENMARK OUT
«It was really, really good. I’m so proud we played at that tempo, it was perfect,” said City coach Pep Guardiola, speaking to TNT Sports.
“We were patient in the right moments. I’m really proud of the team again, but it’s not done. The third goal helps us a lot and hopefully we can get to the next round at home in front of our own fans.”
Guardiola was able to accommodate both Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish in the starting lineup, and the decision proved to be effective as the holders dominated the early proceedings.
De Bruyne nearly put City ahead within three minutes, only to see his header from a cross of Nathan Ake fly wide.
He, however, made no mistake seven minutes later, making a powerful finish from a difficult angle after a pass from Phil Foden.
The goal shocked Copenhagen, who had not competed for two months due to the winter break in Denmark.
They found breathing space after an error by City keeper Ederson, who gave the ball to Mohamed Elyounoussi to invite danger.
Though Elyounoussi’s shot bounced off Ruben Dias, Magnus Mattsson was quick to react, curling a right-footed effort out of Ederson’s reach from the edge of the area.
Bernardo Silva restored City’s lead just before the break, pouncing on a loose ball in the penalty area to prod the ball home.
Grabara denied Haaland in the added time of the second half, but Foden linked up with De Bruyne for a smart finish in the last minute to hand City a convincing win in the end. EFE
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