Manchester City will lead FC Copenhagen by two goals going into the second leg of Champions League Round of 16 match after winning 3-1 in Denmark on Tuesday.
In Short
KDB Masterclass
Kevin De Bruyne gave the European champions the lead with a low shot in the tenth minute of the team’s opening Champions League match of the season. Copenhagen leveled surprisingly in the 34th minute when Magnus Matsson found the back of the net, but thanks to Bernardo Silva’s skillful finish, Manchester City regained the lead just before halftime.
Phil Foden secured the top spot in the night’s rest with a powerful hit past goalkeeper Kamil Grabara in extra time, adding to the moment of concern as Jack Grealish had to be substituted off in the first half due to injury.
Manchester City’s Winning Streak
Manchester City has now won 10 straight games in the European football league, including a Champions League campaign that took City all the way to the semifinals the previous season and a UEFA Super Cup victory over Sevilla via penalty shootout. In this competition, Manchester City’s streak of nine consecutive wins is the longest for any English team, and Foden’s late goal means Manchester City is the first team in Champions League history to score three or more goals in seven consecutive games.
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Manchester City’s unbeaten run in the Champions League extends to 20 matches, and City’s current winning streak across all competitions increases to 11.
Manchester City welcomes the Danish champions back to the Etihad Stadium for the return leg on Wednesday, March 6.
What Happened
Players were warmly welcomed onto the park turf, and City faced significant pressure early on with the seats rattling. However, they didn’t faze Manchester City entirely, as Nathan Ake’s chipped cross in the third minute created City’s first clear opportunity. Kevin De Bruyne missed with a header from six yards out, but signs were promising from Pep Guardiola’s side.
City’s second fantastic chance came from another cross, this time from the right. Bernardo found Ruben Dias in the middle, whose headed effort was destined for the ground, only for Grabara to react quickly, denying the Dutch defender any chance to untangle his feet.
Copenhagen’s extensive winter break – their last competitive match having been over two months ago – appeared to have a serious impact on their sharpness. City were dominating in all areas and responding swiftly to every loose ball.
City’s dominance paid off in the 10th minute when Foden controlled Dias’ cross-field ball, cut inside, and played in De Bruyne.
The Belgian calmly slotted past Grabara into the net, marking his first goal in City colors in over eight seasons.
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Jack Grealish had an excellent start to the match, but he looked frustrated in the 18th minute when he was late to a small sprint, seeming to have pulled his hamstring.
Shortly after, England international was replaced by Jeremy Dokku, and City will wait to see the extent of his injury.
Manchester City came within inches of doubling the lead just inside the half-hour mark when Bernardo’s cross from the left, evading Dennis Vavro and bouncing off the crossbar.
City hosts’ only notable attempt came shortly after, when an extremely rare misplaced pass from Ederson found Mohamed Eloundou straight on the edge of the box.
Dias blocked the winger’s shot, but only into the path of Magnus Matsson, who beat the Brazilian keeper from 25 yards out.
Before the break, City were ahead again thanks to Bernardo’s clinical, controlled finish.
The Portuguese playmaker was fortunate to receive the ball in front of goal – De Bruyne spotted him with a ricochet off a cross – but he made full use of his boot’s outer part to flick it beyond Grabara.
De Bruyne had a fantastic chance to make it three on the night, but Grabara comfortably gathered his low free-kick from 25 yards out.
After Erling Haaland’s two and another, Foden was City’s third scorer, completing a crucial brace with a one-two with De Bruyne before firing home in the 92nd minute to seal the victory.
Man of the Match
Bernardo Silva
Always industrious and one of the most reliable starters in world football, Bernardo has been primed for European matches. Pep Guardiola places immense trust in him and his teammates see exactly the same, knowing they can always rely on Bernardo to receive the ball in any situation and keep it under control.
Even if the 29-year-old doesn’t contribute as many assists or goals as he would like, it’s always fun to see him when he does.
His performance here was no exception, with his level-headedness to find himself in dangerous areas, his calm reaction to a lucky ricochet, and his skillful flick from an awkward angle for his goal.
All in all, he had an excellent performance tonight, demonstrating his talent on important European evenings.
