Manchester City easily defeated FC Copenhagen in the first leg of their last-16 match to begin their Champions League championship defense.
Pep Guardiola’s team appeared to be headed for a massive win after Kevin de Bruyne gave them an early lead, with the hosts scarcely giving them a chance.
However, a bad clearing by Ederson allowed the ball to go straight to Copenhagen, where Magnus Mattsson scored a magnificent goal to take full advantage.
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After a ball from De Bruyne rebounded through to him, Bernardo Silva scored another goal for Manchester City just before halftime with a deft flip.
After the break, De Bruyne and Erling Haaland had more chances to extend the advantage. However, Phil Foden’s late goal assured that City would leave with a two-goal cushion even if they were not playing at their best offensively.
Guardiola stated on TNT Sports, “The biggest players appear on the biggest stages.” “Now is the moment of truth.” We had a good start. We have to get the job done and done well.
“I’m just really pleased for the result.”
On Wednesday, March 6, Manchester City will play host to Copenhagen in the second leg.
Guardiola had forewarned before the game that Copenhagen would still not make things easy for his team, even though this was the team’s first game in two months following Denmark’s football suspension for the winter break.
In November, during the Champions League group stage, the Danes defeated Manchester United 4-3 at Parken Stadium. In 2022, they also held Manchester City to a goalless draw in the same venue.
Guardiola’s team had a fast start and had numerous opportunities to win by a larger score, but they were unable to maintain that momentum.
But former Liverpool custodian Kamil Grabara was crucial in keeping the visitors to two goals, as he made excellent save to stop Jeremy Doku in the second goal and Ruben Dias in the first half.
However, in the last moments, the visitors increased their game once more to guarantee a commanding lead going into the second leg, which they sealed when Foden scored following De Bruyne’s cutback.
Today was excellent, according to Guardiola. “They showed patience when it was needed. Excellent.
“I’m rather pleased with the group. Our third goal was a huge assistance. With any luck, we can wrap it up at home and go on to the next game.”
Jack Grealish’s early injury layoff evidently halted Manchester City’s early momentum.
The England forward, who was starting for the first time in six games, seemed to have a muscular injury after he was challenged for the ball by Diogo Goncalves.
Grealish, who missed three games in September with a hamstring injury, was then brought off in the 21st minute and City will be hoping the issue is not as terrible as it initially looked.
Guardiola stated, “It appears like a muscular [injury] for Jack Grealish.”
It’s unfortunate. He assisted us in keeping the appropriate tempo. When he rolled on the grass, he sensed it.”
Additionally, Guardiola disclosed that Silva had sustained an injury, saying, “Bernardo took a big knock on the ankle.” We’ll see, hopefully it’s not a major problem.
