With a 3-1 victory over Copenhagen, Phil Foden scored a crucial goal in injury time to give Manchester City the upper hand in their Champions League round of 16 matchup.
In order to maintain their title defence, City will play their second leg at the Etihad on March 6 between vital Premier League games against Manchester United and Liverpool, both of which are shown live on Sky Sports. This will extend City’s winning streak in Europe to 21 games.
After just ten minutes, Kevin De Bruyne scored the first goal in a commanding performance that could have put them ahead until Jack Grealish was injured and an error by Ederson gave Copenhagen’s Magnus Mattsson the opportunity to equalise.
However, Bernardo Silva scored in first-half stoppage time to give them the lead back, and in the 92nd minute, Foden scored to send City into the quarterfinals following Erling Haaland’s strike against the crossbar and goalkeeper Kamil Grabara’s save.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola speaking to after the game: “Really, really good, so proud. It was important. Today was perfect. They were patient in the right moments. Really good. I’m really proud of the team. The third goal helped us a lot. Hopefully, we can finish it off at home and go to the next game.
“It was important to not lose the tie here. The game was really well played from the first minute. We conceded a goal but sometimes that happens.
“In the second half, they played with five in the back but in general we did well. We didn’t concede transitions or make the crowd support the team… We had the perfect tempo so really pleased.”
On Kevin De Bruyne’s impact since returning: “Yeah, extraordinary. The first goal was amazing, the right pass and tempo from Phil Foden. The biggest players appear on the biggest stages. It’s the hour of truth. We started well. We have to do our job and finish it. I’m just really pleased for the result.”
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne speaking after scoring and producing one assist: “I’m just trying to play good. It’s been a long five or six months but I’m just happy to be back, helping the team win games and be at my best.
“I feel alright. Obviously, I still need a couple more games and minutes. I’ve not played 90 minutes for almost a year but I’m getting there, I’m feeling good and the level is good enough for the moment – so I’m happy.”
Man City Host Chelsea next on Saturday while their second leg against Copenhagen is on March 6.
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