Champions League
In his first minutes in Europe this season, Kevin De Bruyne shone as usual. With a goal and two assists, he guided Manchester City past FC Copenhagen 1–3.
Manchester City had to do without Kevin De Bruyne for the entire group stage of the Champions League, after he suffered a serious hamstring injury in the first competition match of this season. No problem for the ‘Citizens’, who even without the Red Devil simply took eighteen out of eighteen in the group phase. Yet De Bruyne remains a crucial link in coach Pep Guardiola’s radar work. He proved that once again in his first Champions League minutes of this season. Our compatriot was running well between the lines when Foden almost blindly passed him after ten minutes. De Bruyne looked briefly at whether giving a cross was appropriate, but ultimately chose to put the ball into the far side netting from an acute angle. Beautiful finish from the midfielder and City deservedly took the lead early in the match.
Earlier, KDB had also had a header chance, but the Red Devil did not hit the ball perfectly. Manchester City controlled the match and seemed on their way to an easy victory. Until goalkeeper Ederson defended poorly and the ball suddenly ended up with the opponent. Mattsson unwrapped the present and scored the unexpected equalizer from a distance. The signal for De Bruyne to push through again. After poor control, he recovered by passing the ball to Bernardo Silva. He scored the 1-2 just as efficiently. There were less than 45 minutes left on the board and De Bruyne already had a goal and an assist.
Substitute Doku
However, our compatriot did not constantly demand the ball, but he did choose his moments excellently. In the second half, goalkeeper Grabara had to make a save after a hard shot from De Bruyne and Haaland’s header on a cross from the Red Devil was just too soft. Copenhagen had problems with De Bruyne and needed a lot of mistakes on him.
Jérémy Doku also showed up. The dribbler started on the bench, but was allowed to replace the injured Grealish after seventeen minutes. The wing attacker was a little less flashy than we are used to from him, but he always kept track of the ball and almost outwitted Grabara with a place ball.
Copenhagen seemed to be able to keep Man City at a mild 1-2 for a long time, but City’s control and pressing in the end eventually resulted in a third goal. With his second assist of the evening, star De Bruyne served buddy Foden for the 1-3. This is his seventh assist in as many games for the Red Devil since his return at the beginning of January.
After the first leg in the round of 16, Manchester City already has its team almost on dry land. The second leg will take place on March 6.
COPENHAGEN-MANCHESTER CITY1–2Goal score: 11′ De Bruyne 0-1; 34′ Mattsson 1-1; 45+1′ Silva 1-2; 90+2′ Foot 1-3
