During nights like this, Manchester City resembles the Terminator – an unstoppable opponent that refuses to back down regardless of the challenges thrown their way. Copenhagen displayed their bravery by responding to Kevin De Bruyne’s impressive goal with Magnus Mattsson’s equalizer, which was then followed by De Bruyne assisting Bernardo Silva’s second goal.
All the goals were made prior to halftime. De Bruyne was like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character in a popular Hollywood film, embodying the famous line “I’ll be back.” This comparison can also be used to describe the impressive 32-year-old.
During Copenhagen’s Champions League matches at home, the song “I Don’t Like Mondays” by the Boomtown Rats is played. One of the lyrics states “there are no reasons”. With De Bruyne recently returning from a five-month injury and performing well, it raises the question of why Pep Guardiola’s team cannot defend their title. Additionally, as demonstrated in this game, City has adopted a tough mentality to their fast-paced style of play. Phil Foden’s late third goal was a decisive blow to the Danish club, with De Bruyne once again playing a key role in the setup.
In regards to the game, Guardiola praised his team for playing with the correct tempo and managing the game effectively. He also commended the players for their good behavior and performance. He acknowledged the defensive strategy of Copenhagen, who were waiting for mistakes and defending the space, emphasizing the importance of patience and avoiding transitions. Guardiola also highlighted the excellent performance of the five players behind and the quality of players such as Kevin and Phil.
Both Jack Grealish and Silva suffered injuries. According to Guardiola, “Bernardo has a significant ankle injury. I haven’t spoken to the doctor yet, but it seems to be a muscular one for Jack. Unfortunately, he has pulled his groin and is very disappointed about it. We will conduct tests tomorrow and hopefully, Bernardo’s injury is not serious. We have a match against Chelsea at home on Saturday, so I hope he can heal quickly.”
Guardiola provided a status update on Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic, both of whom did not make the trip. According to the manager, Gvardiol will be out for two to three weeks due to an ankle ligament injury, while Kovacic may return shortly.
The usual loud and rowdy home crowd quieted down quickly when the first goal was scored. Foden passed to De Bruyne, who calmly placed the ball past Grabara’s right post. Grealish’s early injury forced Guardiola to adjust his game strategy. Jérémy Doku came in as a substitute and quickly set up Silva for a shot from the left. The ball deflected off Grabara’s arm and hit the crossbar, allowing Copenhagen to avoid conceding another goal.
In the latest update on the City team, Foden suffered an injury but was able to bounce back while the visiting team maintained their dominance. However, the frequent interruptions due to injuries disrupted their usual relentless rhythm. However, their skills are so impressive that they can quickly regain their momentum. This was evident in a beautiful play where Rodri passed to Doku who then skillfully assisted Erling Haaland in an attempt at goal, narrowly missing.
One of Guardiola’s key principles in European games is to prevent opponents from gaining an advantage. This was put to the test when Copenhagen’s Magnus Mattsson almost scored in a crowded area. However, he did eventually equalize after a pass from Ederson was intercepted by Mohamed Elyounoussi and Rúben Dias before being fired into the top right corner by the midfielder.
The competition is back on track. The Danish fans’ volume of excitement rose once again. Mattsson quickly had another chance, but this time he missed. Guardiola has expressed how City has become believers in the drama of European battles under his leadership. This was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate it.
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They executed the play flawlessly and at just the right moment – towards the end of the 45 minutes – and once again, they had De Bruyne to thank as he set up the goal. A precise pass found Silva who then defeated Grabara, once again to his right. As City headed into halftime with the lead, Guardiola’s excitement was evident in his celebratory arm pump.
In the initial moments of the second half, City maintained possession and maneuvered the opposing team. However, Doku lost control, resulting in the hosts earning a corner. Mattsson crossed from the right and Elyounoussi narrowly missed the goal. This served as a caution for City, prompting De Bruyne to take control.
Initially, he discharged a shot that required a reaction save from Grabara. Then, he made a strong run from the right and earned a free-kick, which Foden directed towards the goal but was caught by Grabara. Later, he was in the middle of the field and was fouled by Kevin Diks.
Rodri and Haaland can be touted as City’s most vital players but De Bruyne is surely this, a gallop down the wing a latest calling card. His errors, too, are collector’s items, but when Foden made one Copenhagen used the transition to hurtle upfield, a Nathan Aké diving header clearing the danger.
Foden’s simple close-range effort sealed victory. In the home return in three weeks expect City to go through.
Source: theguardian.com
