Man City make history as they reach quarter-finals
The reigning champions secure their 10th consecutive victory in the competition, progressing beyond FC Copenhagen with a 6-2 aggregate score.
Manchester City has etched their name in UEFA Champions League history, securing a spot in the quarter-finals with a 6-2 aggregate triumph over FC Copenhagen. They achieved a milestone by becoming the first English team to win 10 consecutive matches in the competition. Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez propelled Man City to a 2-0 lead within the opening 10 minutes. Despite Copenhagen scoring a goal just before the half-hour mark, Erling Haaland found the net in first-half stoppage time, sealing a 3-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
City will discover their quarter-final opponents when the draw takes place on Friday, March 15th.
Match Report (Manchester City vs FC Copenhagen)
The unfolding of the match saw Pep Guardiola implementing numerous changes to his starting XI, with only Ederson, Ruben Dias, Rodri, and Haaland retaining their positions from the victorious side against Manchester United on Sunday.
Following their commanding 3-1 win in the first leg in Denmark, Man City wasted no time in extending their lead, with Akanji scoring a side-footed volley from an Alvarez corner within the opening five minutes.
Less than five minutes later, City capitalized on a goalkeeping mistake to secure their second goal. Kamil Grabara allowed Alvarez's shot to slip through his hands and into the net after Rodri's header had rebounded off the crossbar.
Copenhagen managed to pull one back in the 29th minute through a goal from former Southampton player Mohamed Elyounoussi.
The defending champions added a third just before halftime when a skillful pass from Rodri found Haaland. The Norwegian striker cut inside onto his left foot, and his shot took a deflection before finding the back of the net.
This goal brought Haaland's tally to six in this season's Champions League, making him the joint top scorer alongside Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane. Haaland playfully mimicked his miss in the Manchester derby by celebrating the moment.
Man of the match
Julian Alvarez - The Argentine is consistently involved in the action.
Throughout the season, he has proven to be a crucial player, adapting to various roles, especially when Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland were sidelined. In tonight's game, he showcased all aspects of his skill set.
In the fifth minute, it was his corner that led to Akanji's impressive goal.
Shortly afterward, Alvarez found the back of the net with a powerful shot. While he may acknowledge that the goalkeeper could have stopped it, sometimes you have to take chances to achieve success.
Operating in the space behind Haaland throughout the entire match, Alvarez once again highlighted his invaluable contribution to the squad.
Players and coach Reaction
MANUEL AKANJI REACTION
“The first two goals we scored in the first half made it easier for us because we were up four goals.
“So it was pretty hard for them to come back. We had a little phase where we didn’t play well, then we came out in the second half and we tried to do our best.
PEP GUARDIOLA REACTION
“I am going to tell you we went through with such a difficult team. Copenhagen.
“They are a difficult opponent. So well organised. And, of course, to be part of the titles we need everyone. That’s why we used it. Really pleased with the performance.
What is next for Manchester City?
City will visit Anfield on Sunday for a significant Premier League showdown against the current leaders, Liverpool. The match is scheduled to kick off at 15:45 (UK time).
A win in this fixture would propel us to the top of the table as we strive for an unprecedented fourth consecutive title.
