Manchester City, the current title holders, have progressed to the Champions League quarterfinals following a 3-1 win over FC Copenhagen in the second leg this Wednesday. The victory extends their winning streak in the competition to ten matches, with a total aggregate score of 6-2. Quick goals from Julian Alvarez, Manuel Akanji, and Erling Haaland ensured City maintained their advantage, despite a consolation goal from Copenhagen's Mohamed Elyounoussi. Manager Pep Guardiola took the opportunity to refresh his squad, making seven tactical changes from the team that beat Manchester United 3-1 last week. This rotation was crucial to keep key figures like Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden fresh for the upcoming top-of-the-table clash against Liverpool on March 10.
Defending champions Manchester City advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals with a 3-1 victory against FC Copenhagen in the second leg on Wednesday, their tenth consecutive win in the competition and 6-2 aggregate victory. City’s early goals by Manuel Akanji, Julian Alvarez, and Erling Haaland helped them maintain their two-goal lead. Mohamed Elyounoussi scored the lone goal for Copenhagen. With a top-of-the-table Premier League clash against Liverpool on Sunday, March 10, City’s manager Pep Guardiola had the luxury of resting key players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden, making seven changes to his side that defeated Manchester United 3-1 in the league rivalry last Sunday.
In the Premier League, City is locked in a fierce battle for the title, trailing Liverpool by a single point and holding a one-point lead over Arsenal after 27 games. Their schedule remains packed, including a highly anticipated FA Cup quarterfinal against Newcastle United on March 16.
City hit the ground running with an aggressive offensive approach from the start. Manuel Akanji opened the scoring in the fifth minute, meeting Alvarez's corner with a sharp volley. Alvarez then doubled the lead shortly after, as goalkeeper Kamil Grabara struggled to handle a shot that slid past him, occurring moments after Rodri had already hit the crossbar. Copenhagen's former Southampton man, Mohamed Elyounoussi, managed to pull one back in the 29th minute, but the momentum shifted back to City just before halftime when Erling Haaland fired a powerful low shot past two defenders—his 29th goal of the campaign. Rico Lewis nearly added a fourth late in the game, but his effort rattled the crossbar.
City now joins the ranks of PSG, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, with the remaining four slots to be filled next week. They will learn who they face in the draw on March 15. Reflecting on the match, Pep Guardiola emphasized the need for squad rotation, noting that several players were exhausted and needed rest for the upcoming Sunday fixture. He expressed his delight at remaining in contention for every trophy they are competing for and praised his team for once again being among Europe's top eight. Following the game, Copenhagen manager Jacob Neestrup admitted he believes City are favorites to keep their trophy. He noted that having faced them two years running, he has seen them only improve, praising not just their world-class talent and tactics, but their incredible work ethic and structure.
Denmark's Doherty delivers a standout performance to guide his side to victory