Copenhagen 1-3 Manchester City: City takes control in the first leg with goals scored by Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Phil Foden.

Manchester City’s players were in jubilant spirits as they celebrated their victory in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first-leg match against FC Copenhagen in Copenhagen, Denmark on February 13, 2024. The English side took control of the tie with a 3-1 win at Parken, thanks to goals from Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Phil Foden.

Right from the start, Manchester City dominated possession, leaving little hope for FC Copenhagen to produce an upset. In the 10th minute, de Bruyne showcased his brilliance by guiding a superb low shot into the bottom corner, setting the tone for the match.

However, Copenhagen managed to send their home crowd into raptures when debutant Magnus Mattsson capitalized on a disastrous error from Ederson and scored a lovely 20-yard finish into the corner in the 34th minute. The reigning champions quickly responded, with Silva flicking an impudent effort into the corner just before half time, restoring their advantage. Foden then added a third goal in stoppage time, sealing the victory for Manchester City.

With the first leg now behind them, Manchester City will shift their focus back to the Premier League as they prepare to face Chelsea at home on Saturday. The second leg of this tie will not take place until March 6.

When the draw was initially made, FC Copenhagen were not given much hope of causing an upset, and the match confirmed why. Manchester City’s dominance throughout the game made it clear that they were determined to secure a comfortable lead before the second leg at the Etihad Stadium. Foden’s late goal essentially achieved that, although the early injury to Jack Grealish was a setback for the team.

At the halfway point of the tie, Manchester City remain unbeaten in the competition, with seven wins out of seven. With de Bruyne back in top form and Haaland fit again, it is difficult to look beyond them as the favorites to retain their Champions League crown.

Kevin de Bruyne was named the player of the match for his outstanding performance. The Belgian midfielder played as if he had never been away, scoring a sublime opener and providing two assists.

Player Ratings:
FC COPENHAGEN: Grabara 8, Diks 7, Vavro 7, Claesson 7, Jelert 6, McKenna 7, Achouri 6, Falk 6, Mattson 7, Diogo 6, Elyounoussi 6. Subs: Cornelius 6, O Hojlund 6, Sorensen n/a, Larsson n/a.

MAN CITY: Ederson 5, Walker 7, Stones 7, Dias 7, Ake 8, Rodri 7, De Bruyne 9, Bernardo 8, Foden 8, Grealish 6, Haaland 5. Subs: Doku 7, Nunes 6.

Match Highlights:
10’ – GOAL! – FC Copenhagen 0-1 Man City: (De Bruyne). Foden spots de Bruyne’s run into the right channel, and the Belgian finishes clinically with a low shot into the far corner.

34’ – GOAL! – FC Copenhagen 1-1 Man City: (Mattsson). The stadium erupts as Ederson’s mistake is punished. Elyounoussi’s blocked shot falls to Mattsson, who guides a sublime first-time effort into the corner from 20 yards out.

45’ – GOAL! – FC Copenhagen 1-2 Man City: (Bernardo Silva). Silva produces a wonderful finish, flicking the ball beyond the keeper and into the far corner from de Bruyne’s deflected pass.

90+2’ – GOAL! – FC Copenhagen 1-3 Man City: (Foden). Foden seals the victory with a clinical finish from de Bruyne’s smart cut back from the right.