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, fully out of the blue, Magnus Mattsson netted a chic equalister earlier than Bernardo Silva put Man Metropolis again in entrance on the finish of the primary half.
Man Metropolis ultimately grabbed a 3rd in second-half stoppage time after a flurry of late probabilities, Phil Foden netting after some neat work with De Bruyne down the proper flank and handing Pep Guardiola’s facet 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 more likely 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 stop Man Metropolis from taking the lead after ten minutes. Foden’s good by ball was latched on to by De Bruyne, who fizzed dwelling 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 sport, with the hosts benefiting from an Ederson error to provide a shock equaliser within the thirty fourth minute.
The Brazilian’s miscued go 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 nearly put the guests out of sight simply after half-time however Grabara obtained 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 formidable cease.
Erling Haaland uncharacteristically spurned two fantastic late alternatives so as to add a 3rd, however the Norwegian can be bailed out by the relentless Foden, who rattled dwelling from shut vary after a pleasant one-two with De Bruyne in stoppage time.
GK: Ederson – 5/10 – The Brazilian’s mis-hit go 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 proper.
CB: John Stones – 7/10 – Spent nearly all of the sport in midfield, stepping ahead when his facet have been in possession. Neat and tidy in central areas.
CB: Ruben Dias – 7/10 – Hardly ever known as upon, particularly after Andreas Cornelius was launched from the bench.
LB: Nathan Ake – 8/10 – The Dutchman did the whole lot he wanted to do in what was a quiet sport for Man Metropolis defensively. Produced one glorious 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 facet’s second by some decided urgent. A simple 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 commonly interchanging with Foden on the proper wing. Picked up some helpful areas in opposition territory.
RW: Phil Foden – 9/10 – Threaded a wonderfully weighted by ball to De Bruyne for Man Metropolis’s opener and was concerned in his facet’s finest moments. Netted an exquisite late third and produced one volleyed backheel go that was definitely worth the admission price alone.
ST: Erling Haaland – 6/10 – A quiet night for the Norwegian, who was hardly ever concerned within the ultimate third. Could not get his title on the scoresheet regardless of two good alternatives late within the sport.
LW: Jack Grealish – 6/10 – Substituted after simply 21 minutes because 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 along with his facet’s efficiency. In full management all through and have all however booked their quarter-final spot.
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