Pep Guardiola described Manchester Metropolis’s 3-1 victory over Copenhagen within the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie as “perfect” however the outcome got here at a value with accidents to Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva.
Metropolis prolonged their unbeaten run in Europe to 21 matches and made it 11 consecutive wins in all competitions by overcoming the Danish champions because of objectives from Kevin De Bruyne, Silva and Phil Foden.
De Bruyne struck the opener at Parken Stadium after simply 10 minutes amid a dominant begin which ought to have seen Metropolis additional forward earlier than Grealish went off injured within the first half and an Ederson mistake allowed Copenhagen’s Magnus Mattsson to equalise.
Silva struck on the stroke of half-time to revive Metropolis’s lead and after Erling Haaland had hit the crossbar, Foden netted within the 92nd minute to maneuver Guardiola’s aspect nearer to the quarter-finals.
Talking to TNT Sports activities, the Metropolis boss mentioned: “It was actually, actually good. In the present day was excellent. They had been affected person in the precise moments and I am actually happy with the staff.
“The third aim helped us so much. Hopefully, we will end it off at house and go to the following sport.
“It was necessary to not lose the tie right here. The sport was very well performed from the primary minute. We conceded a aim however typically that occurs.
“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 I’m really pleased.”
The one blots on an in any other case constructive night for Metropolis had been accidents to Grealish and Silva. Grealish, handed his first begin in six matches, lasted simply 21 minutes whereas Silva took a knock to the ankle late within the sport.
Talking concerning the two gamers post-match, Guardiola mentioned: “Bernardo has a big knock on his ankle. I didn’t speak with the doctor but it looks muscular for Jack, his groin.
“It is a pity as a result of, in the previous few days, his temper in coaching was a lot better, he was taking part in actually good, actually good. He helped us to play on the proper tempo.
“You cannot play so slow but you cannot play so fast against teams this organised, you have to find the right tempo and he helped us a lot.”
Pep: The most important gamers seem on the most important levels
It was one other influential efficiency from Metropolis’s star midfielder De Bruyne. The Belgian scored and grabbed two assists in Denmark to take his aim involvements to 9 since coming back from damage simply final month.
On the 32-year-old’s affect, Guardiola mentioned: “Extraordinary. The first goal was amazing, the right pass and tempo from Phil Foden.
“The most important gamers seem on the most important levels. It is the hour of reality. We began effectively. Now we have to do our job and end it. I am simply actually happy for the outcome.”
“I’m just trying to play good,” De Bruyne advised TNT Sports activities. “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 really feel alright. Clearly, I nonetheless want a pair extra video games and minutes. I’ve not performed 90 minutes for nearly a yr however I am getting there, I am feeling good and the extent is sweet sufficient for the second – so I am blissful.”
What’s next for Man City?
Man City are back in Premier League action at home to Chelsea on Saturday Night Football, live on Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage beginning at 5pm and kick off at 5.30pm.
Their second leg with Copenhagen at the Etihad is on Wednesday March 6.
Man Metropolis’s subsequent six fixtures
February 17: Chelsea (H) – Premier League, kick-off 5.30pm, stay on Sky Sports activities
February 20: Brentford (H) – Premier League, kick-off 7.30pm
February 24: Bournemouth (A) – Premier League, kick-off 5.30pm, stay on Sky Sports activities
February 27: Luton (A) – FA Cup fifth spherical, kick-off 8pm
March 3: Manchester United (H) – Premier League, kick-off 3.30pm, stay on Sky Sports activities
March 6: Copenhagen (H) – Champions League last-16 second leg, kick-off 8pm
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