Manchester City, the reigning holders of the UEFA Champions League title, secured a decisive 3-1 victory over FC Copenhagen in the second leg of their round-of-16 encounter on Wednesday. This victory marked their 10th consecutive win in the competition, resulting in a commanding 6-2 aggregate triumph.
The match commenced with City enjoying a comfortable two-goal advantage, which they swiftly capitalized on with first-half goals from Manuel Akanji, Julián Álvarez, and Erling Haaland.
Manager Pep Guardiola strategically utilized the opportunity to rest key players, such as Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden, in preparation for an upcoming high-stakes encounter against Liverpool in the Premier League. Guardiola made seven changes to his starting lineup, a move that showcased City’s depth and adaptability. This decision proved astute as City secured victory and advanced to the quarterfinals, demonstrating their formidable prowess in European competition.
“Today, I need energy, fresh legs,” Guardiola said. “I know how tired, exhausted some of my players were today … We play on Sunday. So I need fresh legs.”
City are a point behind Liverpool and a point ahead of Arsenal after 27 league games in tight title race. They are also in the thick of the FA Cup, with a quarter-final against Newcastle United on March 16.
“To be part of the titles, we need everyone,” Guardiola said. “For one more year we are in the best eight teams in Europe. Incredibly happy we are still in all competitions.”
Akanji capitalized on Manchester City’s initial opportunity, executing a precise volley from Alvarez’s corner kick in the fifth minute of the match.
“I saw the ball coming. It was perfect for my foot,” Akanji told TNT. “I was really happy about it. It was our aim to score early. The first two goals in the first half made it easier for us. We tried to do our best and did what we had to do.”
Alvarez swiftly responded with a goal of his own four minutes later, taking advantage of an error in goalkeeping by Kamil Grabara. The latter failed to secure the City forward’s shot, which slipped through his grasp mere moments after Rodri’s attempt ricocheted off the crossbar.
Former Southampton player Mohamed Elyounoussi narrowed the gap for the Danish champions in the 29th minute. However, City’s prolific scorer, Haaland, widened the lead by slotting a low, powerful shot past two defenders just before halftime, marking his 29th goal of the season across all competitions.
Rico Lewis had a late opportunity to secure a fourth goal for City, but his shot struck the crossbar.
With this victory, City advances to the quarterfinals alongside football powerhouses Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain. The final four teams to compete in the next stage will be determined next week.
“We are a team that believes we can do it,” Guardiola said. “Listen, we’re competing with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. We don’t know who we are going to face. It’s a question of wait and see. The important thing is seven years in a row we are here.”
The city will ascertain its quarterfinal adversaries through a formal draw scheduled for March 15th.
“We feel good right now,” Akanji said. “We’re confident going into the next round. We are one of the favourites but have to prove it.”
In the latter stages of the match, Erling Haaland was substituted, embracing 18-year-old replacement Jacob Wright, who made his debut in the UEFA Champions League, before departing the field.
Jacob Neestrup, the manager of Copenhagen, expressed confidence in Manchester City’s ability to successfully defend their UEFA Champions League title.
“They’re going to win it, they are,” he said. “This is just a level up — in everything.
“We have played [City] two seasons in a row and Man City are getting better. They are top players, the structure they have is amazing. It is not just the technical and tactical. They work hard.”