Manchester City were held on Tuesday night at Parken Stadium by FC Copenhagen, preventing them from extending their winning streak to four games in the Champions League group stage.
City’s perfect record in Champions League saw them winning three of their games, including a recent 5-0 victory over Copenhagen at the Etihad.
A win in Denmark would have sealed means of knockout rounds with two games remaining.
We're now on WhatsApp. Click here to join.
Three VAR decisions on Tuesday evening defined the game in Copenhagen as City were held to a goalless draw.
The first-half dismissal of Sergio Gomez necessitated a lineup change by Pep Guardiola.
Riyad Mahrez’s handball in the set-up had already resulted in City having a goal by Rodri ruled off.
On a discouraging night for the guests, Mahrez later saw a penalty kick saved.
Man City arrived in Danish city with hopes of securing their advancement to the knockout stages but were tested by Copenhagen far more than they did in last week’s 5-0 demolition of them in Manchester.
Erling Haaland was unused substitute and it believed that Guardiola placed the Norwegian on the bench for the crucial trip to Liverpool on Sunday.
After the game Guardiola was asked if he understood the handball rule, he replied “No”.
“Inter Milan vs Barcelona last week, did you see what happened with Arsenal and Liverpool? So, no [I don’t understand it],” he added.
Guardiola on his decision not to play the Norwegian:
“He finished the game against Southampton so, so tired and didn’t recover well. Yesterday was not good, today a little better but not perfect so we decide not to take the risk”.
“I thought about [energy levels] but many players didn’t start because they are exhausted. Phil [Foden] has problems. Bernardo told us he was so tired. We played the players who feel better,” Guardiola added.
City’s boss on their trip to Anfield this weekend.
“We have four days. We travel right now. Tomorrow we will regenerate. We have two days to prepare against Liverpool,” said Guardiola.
Also read: Ronaldo hits 700th club goals in Sunday’s clash
Click On the Red-Bell icon displayed at the right bottom corner of your reading screen to be the first person to get the latest news updates sent directly to your smartphone’s notification.
