No surprises there. Manchester City dealt with Copenhagen away
Manchester City paid a visit to Copenhagen for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
The Citizens, who took to the field as clear favorites, immediately set out to prove their status. They dominated the Danish team in their half of the field and opened the scoring in the 10th minute. De Bruyne, with an elegant strike after a pass from Foden, put the Sky Blues ahead.
It might have seemed like the beginning of a rout, but Copenhagen didn't crumble; instead, they waited for their chance and equalized. Mattsson took advantage of chaos in City's defense and, with a brilliant shot into the bottom right corner, beat Ederson.
However, the renowned visitors regained the lead for the second time still in the first half. Bernardo Silva responded to De Bruyne's pass and dampened the Lions' spirits just before halftime.
The second half of the game didn't offer much excitement. City eased off defensively and played a possession game, while the hosts patiently searched for their chance but without much success. That's how it ended - a narrow victory for the visitors. In stoppage time, Foden sealed the deal, making City's lead before the Manchester derby more than comfortable.
The second leg in England will take place on March 6th.
UEFA Champions League, Round of 16
1st leg
Copenhagen - Manchester City 1:3
Goals: Mattsson, 34 - De Bruyne, 10, Bernardo Silva, 45+1, Foden, 90+2