Manchester City, holders of their Champions League quarter-finals berth for the seventh consecutive season, secured a commanding 3-1 victory over FC Copenhagen.
Early strikes from Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez paved the way for City’s triumph, with the prolific Erling Haaland adding his 29th goal of the season to seal a resounding 6-2 aggregate win at the Etihad Stadium.
FT:
🏴 Man City 3-1 Copenhagen 🇩🇰 Agg: 6-2
🇪🇸 Real Madrid 1-1 RB Leipzig 🇩🇪 Agg: 2-1#UCL #RMARBL #RMALEI pic.twitter.com/MyqTmTm9Gw— Match Spoots (@matchspoots) March 6, 2024
While Copenhagen displayed moments of resilience, pulling one goal back through former Southampton player Mohamed Elyounoussi, City’s passage to the next round remained unquestionable.
The match unfolded at a measured pace, with City conserving energy for forthcoming challenges as they aim for an unprecedented back-to-back treble. Pep Guardiola’s tactical acumen was evident as he made seven changes from the side that triumphed over Manchester United in Sunday’s derby, with key players such as match-winner Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Bernardo Silva relegated to the bench.
Guardiola’s astute selection paid dividends early on, with Akanji breaking the deadlock within five minutes. The defender’s audacious volley from Alvarez’s delivery showcased City’s attacking prowess.
Alvarez doubled City’s lead shortly after, capitalizing on a glaring error by Copenhagen goalkeeper Kamil Grabara. Despite Copenhagen’s brief resurgence through Elyounoussi’s goal, Haaland swiftly restored City’s two-goal cushion with a clinical finish just before halftime.
As the second half unfolded, City maintained control, with Copenhagen’s sporadic attacks failing to unsettle the hosts. Although substitutes like Magnus Mattsson tested City’s resolve, Guardiola’s side remained composed, nearly adding to their tally in stoppage time through Rico Lewis’s effort that struck the crossbar.
