Julián Álvarez was a luxury spectator
.
The fact is that
Manchester City
did not need the world champion from Córdoba to be able to put their qualification on track for the next stage of the
Champions League
: they beat
Copenhagen this Tuesday 3-1
as a visitor, in the first leg of the round of 16, which will have to finish on the return.
The Belgian Kevin de Bruyne (10), the Portuguese Bernardo Silva (45+1) and Phil Foden (90+2) ensured the victory of the current European champion, although the locals momentarily tied with a goal from Magnus Mattsson (35 ).
"I am very proud, the 'tempo' at which we played today was perfect
," said coach Pep Guardiola after the match, in which he left Julián Álvarez sitting on the substitute bench, without minutes.
Despite their clear dominance, City only had a one-goal advantage until Foden's calm goal scored in added time, ensuring the 'Citizens' 11th consecutive victory in all competitions.
The team from the Danish capital also found itself lacking in training, as due to the harsh Nordic winter they had not played an official match for two months.
"The third goal helped us a lot, hopefully we can finish the job at home, with our people, to advance to the next round," Guardiola continued.
The current champion, who started as a big favorite in a tie against a rival from a minor championship, now has a place in the quarterfinals for the sixth consecutive season.
Manchester City's powerful attack was canceled on several occasions by Polish goalkeeper Kamil Grabara, a former Liverpool player, who prevented the first goal in the sixth minute after a first warning from Ruben Dias.
Photo: EFE/EPA/Mads Claus Rasmussen
The Pole could do nothing however when De Bruyne, excellent since his return from injury, received a quick pass from Foden in the area and without thinking launched a powerful low shot into the back of the net.
The Belgian has missed five months this season due to a thigh injury suffered in August, during the first day of the Premier League, but since his return last month, the 32-year-old midfielder has scored two goals and provided seven assists in seven matches.
"It's extraordinary," Guardiola said of his player.
"The greatest players love to show up in important moments."
Photo: Jonathan NACKSTRAND / AFP
Minutes after the goal, the first scare came for the 'Citizens', when Jack Grealish, who was playing his second game as a starter so far this year, had to leave injured after a quarter of an hour into the game (15).
For his part, Norwegian Erling Haaland, who like De Bruyne is recovering, was about to score one of the goals of the year, but his acrobatic volley went wide.
City, with almost 80% possession in the first half hour of the game, saw their lead on the scoreboard disappear when Ederson missed a pass in the 'Citizen' release of the ball, which Mattsson ended up recovering to tie in his debut .
"They had a great group stage so we had to respect them," De Bruyne said.
"We started very well but I think we made a mistake and they took advantage of it."
Despite the setback, the English team showed the makings of champions, regrouped and managed to go to the locker room again ahead on the scoreboard, when De Bruyne managed to get a good ball to Silva inside the area, which the Portuguese did not forgive.
In the second half, only Grabara's great interventions prevented the result from being worse, but in the final minutes of the game, Foden capped off his great game by scoring his 15th goal of the season.
The return will take place on March 6 at the Etihad Stadium.