Man City vs Copenhagen Player Ratings as Erling Haaland’s flying kick secures victory
Manchester City sealed a spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League for an eighth successive year by cruising past Danish side FC Copenhagen with a 3-1 win on Wednesday (March 6) night. Erling Haaland bagged his sixth Champions League strike of the season, grabbing his 41st goal in the competition in just 37 games.
The Cityzens started the first half on a high, courtesy of early goals from Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez inside the first 10 minutes of the game. Mohamed Elyounoussi pulled one back in the 29th minute to put a smile on the traveling side’s fans. Haaland’s second goal just at the stroke of half-time restored the two-goal advantage for the hosts, effectively ending the tie.
Manchester City Player Ratings
Ederson: 5
The Brazilian was beaten with the first shot in the second half but managed to block an effort by Magnus Mattsson. Ederson was sloppy with his passing at times.
Rico Lewis: 7
The young defender was full of confidence and energy, showing his versatility but gave the ball away quite often in this tie.
Manuel Akanji: 7
In one of his best performances in a Man City shirt, Akanji scored his fourth goal of the season with an exquisite volley early on in the game.
Ruben Dias: 6
The Portuguese center-back was a commanding presence last night and led the team well before he was given an early rest in the second half.
Josko Gvardiol: 6
On his return from an ankle injury, the Croatian wasn’t at his best last night. Although he was clinical with his positioning, the defender misplaced the ball extensively during the game.
Rodri: 8
Man City star Rodri proved why he’s one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. He bossed the Man City midfield and provided a world-class assist for Haaland’s second goal. He always uses his physical frame to dominate the midfield battle. Rodri was subbed in the second half with Guardiola maybe resting him for the tie against Liverpool this weekend.
Mateo Kovacic: 7
The Croatian created a handful of chances and took over Rodri’s role in the second half after the Spaniard’s substitution.
Matheus Nunes: 6
He made a couple of runs but was not influential in the final third and ended up limping off the pitch in the second half.
Oscar Bobb: 5
The youngster was bright in the first half but got stuck on the periphery of the game. He faded out in the second half.
Julian Alvarez: 8
Yet another good performance performance in a Man City shirt and the best player on the pitch last night. Alvarez bagged one goal and one assist inside the first nine minutes.
Erling Haaland: 7
He is doing exactly what Pep wants him to do -attack the box. Haaland made some spectacular runs in the Copenhagen territory, showing his skills with brilliant off the ball movement. He scored an emphatic goal and looked dangerous throughout the game. Uncharacteristically, City failed to create many chances for him.
Subs
Sergio Gomez: 6
Did well enough in the second half and cruised through the 90 minutes.
John Stones: 6
Was a stoppage time substitute and replaced Ruben Dias to keep control of the game.
Micah Hamilton: (N/A)
Also Read: Chelsea vs Newcastle Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips
Copenhagen Player Ratings
Kamil Grabara: 3
The Copenhagen goalkeeper would want to forget the night. Sporting a mask, Grabara let Julian Alvarez’s shot go through his hands to give the Cityzens a 2-0 lead. Grabara conceded inside five minutes after a well-struck opener by Manuel Akanji.
Scott McKenna: 5
The defender allowed the first goal by Man City after failing to keep possession in play. The summer loanee had a forgettable in a Copenhagen shirt.
Kevin Diks: 6
Not his greatest performance and it showed. Oscar Bobb went past the byline and attempted a reverse pass which Diks successfully intercepted brilliantly but he was otherwise average throughout the 90 minutes .
Denis Vavro: 7
Did well as a proper defender and stood strong against a tough opponent in Erling Haaland.
Peter Ankersen: 6
Showed his age tonight against an elite club which shouldn’t happen in the European stages.
William Clem: 4
The defensive midfielder was not quick on the ball and lost possession several times.
Mohamed Elyounoussi: 8
The only player on the scoresheet for the Danish side last night. Latching on to a backheel from Oskarsson, Elyounoussi curled a delicate right foot into the far corner.
Elias Jelert: 4
Jelert also did not contribute enough in the final third.
Victor Froholdt: 4
The youngster made his debut last night but could not make it count.
Elias Achouri: 4
Possibly had one of his worst performances, and most of his attempts were in vain, showing his lack of composure.
Orri Oskarsson: 6
An average performance as he was shut out superbly by Manuel Akanji.
Subs
Roony Bardghji: 7
He replaced Elias Achouri in the second half and danced through City’s defense in an attempt to pull one back but Ederson was quick to react.
Magnus Mattsson: 7
Magnus Mattsson had a remarkable strike on goal but Man City goalkeeper Ederson was alert to make a sharp save.
Oscar Hojlund: 6
He came on too late to have an impact.