Manchester Metropolis secured a 3-1 victory of their Champions League spherical of 16 first leg conflict with Copenhagen on Tuesday night.
The reigning champions made a lightning fast begin to proceedings and Kevin De Bruyne produced a positive end to open the scoring after simply ten minutes. Nonetheless, utterly out of the blue, Magnus Mattsson netted a elegant equalister earlier than Bernardo Silva put Man Metropolis again in entrance on the finish of the primary half.
Man Metropolis finally grabbed a 3rd in second-half stoppage time after a flurry of late possibilities, Phil Foden netting after some neat work with De Bruyne down the appropriate flank and handing Pep Guardiola’s aspect a commanding lead forward of the return leg.
How the sport unfolded
Copenhagen had already confirmed their credentials in opposition to Manchester opposition in the course of the Champions League group stage, however welcoming the world champions to Denmark was prone to be a a lot trickier proposition.
The sample of the sport was set early on as Copenhagen sunk right into a deep 4-5-1 out of possession, however they could not forestall Man City from taking the lead after ten minutes. Foden’s sensible via ball was latched on to by De Bruyne, who fizzed residence an beautiful end from contained in the penalty space.
Silva got here near doubling Man Metropolis’s lead, firing a cross close to put up that Denis Vavro headed on to his personal crossbar slightly fortuitously. Some last-ditch defending ensured that Copenhagen stored themselves within the recreation, with the hosts benefiting from an Ederson error to supply a shock equaliser within the thirty fourth minute.
The Brazilian’s miscued move gifted Copenhagen a uncommon alternative, Mattsson curling in a sensational effort from the sting of the field after Mohamed Elyounoussi’s preliminary effort was blocked.
Nonetheless, Man Metropolis would restore their lead on the stroke of half-time. De Bruyne closed down a Copenhagen clearance and the ball fell kindly to Silva simply eight yards out, with the Portuguese flicking the ball past Kamil Grabara with little fuss.
De Bruyne virtually put the guests out of sight simply after half-time however Grabara acquired down fast to rebuff the Belgian’s venomous near-post effort. Substitute Jeremy Doku additionally examined the Polish goalkeeper, who met the winger’s long-range effort with a powerful cease.
Erling Haaland uncharacteristically spurned two great late alternatives so as to add a 3rd, however the Norwegian could be bailed out by the relentless Foden, who rattled residence from shut vary after a pleasant one-two with De Bruyne in stoppage time.
GK: Ederson – 5/10 – The Brazilian’s mis-hit move gifted Copenhagen a route again into the match. Untested for the rest of the sport.
RB: Kyle Walker – 7/10 – Seldom had to make use of his explosive tempo to cowl defensively and supplied some good attacking risk down the appropriate.
CB: John Stones – 7/10 – Spent the vast majority of the sport in midfield, stepping ahead when his aspect have been in possession. Neat and tidy in central areas.
CB: Ruben Dias – 7/10 – Hardly ever referred to as upon, particularly after Andreas Cornelius was launched from the bench.
LB: Nathan Ake – 8/10 – The Dutchman did every thing he wanted to do in what was a quiet recreation for Man Metropolis defensively. Produced one wonderful headed clearance to disclaim Cornelius on the far put up.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne – 9/10 – Produced an exquisite end to place Man Metropolis forward, whereas additionally forcing his aspect’s second via some decided urgent. An easy show from the influential midfielder, who grabbed a late help to place the tie past doubt.
CM: Rodri – 7/10 – Hoovered up possession in midfield and stored Man Metropolis ticking alongside properly.
CM: Bernardo Silva – 8/10 – A deft end restored Man Metropolis’s lead heading into the break, with the Portugal worldwide usually interchanging with Foden on the appropriate wing. Picked up some helpful areas in opposition territory.
RW: Phil Foden – 9/10 – Threaded a wonderfully weighted via ball to De Bruyne for Man Metropolis’s opener and was concerned in his aspect’s finest moments. Netted an exquisite late third and produced one volleyed backheel move that was definitely worth the admission charge alone.
ST: Erling Haaland – 6/10 – A quiet night for the Norwegian, who was hardly ever concerned within the remaining third. Could not get his identify on the scoresheet regardless of two good alternatives late within the recreation.
LW: Jack Grealish – 6/10 – Substituted after simply 21 minutes as a result of damage. Visibly dejected when departing the pitch after being handed an more and more uncommon begin.
Substitutes
SUB: Jeremy Doku (21′ for Grealish) – 6/10 – An unconvincing efficiency after approaching for Grealish, with the Belgian’s pace and trickery by no means inflicting Copenhagen too many points.
SUB: Matheus Nunez (78′ for Silva) – 6/10
Subs not used: Stefan Ortega (GK), Scott Carson (GK), Manuel Akanji, Rico Lewis, Jacob Wright, Mahamadou Susoho, Oscar Bobb, Julian Alvarez.
Supervisor
Pep Guardiola – 8/10 – The scoreline might have been much more convincing however that may be the Spaniard’s solely frustration together with his aspect’s efficiency. In full management all through and have all however booked their quarter-final spot.
Participant of the match – Kevin De Bruyne (Man Metropolis)
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