da dobrowin： The City playmaker's classy early goal ensured City got off on the right foot before leading the visitors' exhibition of possession football
da 888： Kevin De Bruyne still has unfinished business in the Champions League after getting injured in two finals, and he looked in the mood to reach a third showpiece after running the show in Manchester City's 3-1 win at Copenhagen on Tuesday.
City made a flying start in the Parken Stadium, and after De Bruyne and Ake had missed from close-range, the Belgian made amends with a slick finish into the far bottom corner after lovely work from Phil Foden.
City were dealt their first setback midway through the first half when Jack Grealish pulled up injured, and suffered an even bigger one when Magnus Mattson smashed in Copenhagen's equaliser after a sloppy pass out from Ederson. Pep Guardiola's side looked shaken, but a smart reactive finish from Bernardo Silva put them back in front just before the break.
The second half was a procession as City moved the ball around effortlessly and with barely any resistance but they still wanted a third goal, and eventually got it in added-time with another slick piece of play from De Bruyne, finished off by the equally brilliant Foden.
The thoroughly deserved final goal gave City a two-goal cushion for the second leg at home in three weeks' time and that is likely to be another breeze for Guardiola's all-conquering side.
GOAL rates Man City's players from Parken Stadium…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Ederson (4/10):
His careless pass aimed for Ake led to Copenhagen's equaliser. It was the only shot he faced.
Kyle Walker (7/10):
Physically dominant and always on hand to sweep up any hint of danger from the hosts.
Ruben Dias (7/10):
Always looked in control, won every aerial battle.
John Stones (6/10):
Back in his hybrid defence/midfield role and did much more of the latter.
Nathan Ake (7/10):
Strong defensively and always looked to get involved in the attack.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Phil Foden (8/10):
Survived an injury scare in the first half and had an outstanding game, dictating the tempo while twisting his way around the pitch. Rounded off a stunning performance with a deserved goal.
Rodri (6/10):
Kept things ticking over but was able to take a backseat role as his fellow midfielders took over.
Bernardo Silva (8/10):
Also brilliant in ensuring City never lost the ball, while his effortless finish put them firmly back in control.
Getty ImagesAttack
Kevin De Bruyne (9/10):
A class above. His sharp-shooting got City off to a dream start and he set up the other two goals. Back where he belongs, dominating Champions League knockout games.
Erling Haaland (5/10):
Got very little space in behind. Not the blockbuster Champions League night he would have hoped for, but there will be plenty more.
Jack Grealish (5/10):
Was doing well without shining until his first start in five weeks was cruelly brought to a premature end, a groin injury forcing him off in the 21st minute.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Jeremy Doku (6/10):
Took fewer risks than usual and had fewer flashes of excitement, but looked to be on the same page as the team and did what was needed.
Matheus Nunes (5/10):
Replaced Bernardo in the 78th minute and had a hand in the third goal.
Pep Guardiola (7/10):
His tactic to utterly monopolise possession worked well, ensuring his side barely suffered in what could have been a difficult atmosphere.