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Pep Guardiola described Manchester Metropolis’s 3-1 victory over Copenhagen within the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie as “good” however the end result got here at a price with accidents to Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva.
Metropolis prolonged their unbeaten run in Europe to 21 matches and made it 11 consecutive wins in all competitions by overcoming the Danish champions due to objectives from Kevin De Bruyne, Silva and Phil Foden.
De Bruyne struck the opener at Parken Stadium after simply 10 minutes amid a dominant begin which ought to have seen Metropolis additional forward earlier than Grealish went off injured within the first half and an Ederson mistake allowed Copenhagen’s Magnus Mattsson to equalise.
Silva struck on the stroke of half-time to revive Metropolis’s lead and after Erling Haaland had hit the crossbar, Foden netted within the 92nd minute to maneuver Guardiola’s aspect nearer to the quarter-finals.
Talking to TNT Sports activities, the Metropolis boss stated: “It was actually, actually good. Right this moment was good. They have been affected person in the correct moments and I am actually pleased with the workforce.
“The third aim helped us lots. Hopefully, we are able to end it off at house and go to the subsequent sport.
“It was essential to not lose the tie right here. The sport was rather well performed from the primary minute. We conceded a aim however typically that occurs.
“Within the second half, they performed with 5 within the again however basically we did nicely. We did not concede transitions or make the gang help the workforce. We had the proper tempo so I am actually happy.”
The one blots on an in any other case constructive night for Metropolis have been accidents to Grealish and Silva. Grealish, handed his first begin in six matches, lasted simply 21 minutes whereas Silva took a knock to the ankle late within the sport.
Talking concerning the two gamers post-match, Guardiola stated: “Bernardo has a giant knock on his ankle. I did not converse with the physician however it seems muscular for Jack, his groin.
“It is a pity as a result of, in the previous few days, his temper in coaching was a lot better, he was taking part in actually good, actually good. He helped us to play on the proper tempo.
“You can’t play so sluggish however you can’t play so quick towards groups this organised, you must discover the correct tempo and he helped us lots.”
Pep: The largest gamers seem on the most important levels
It was one other influential efficiency from Metropolis’s star midfielder De Bruyne. The Belgian scored and grabbed two assists in Denmark to take his aim involvements to 9 since getting back from damage simply final month.
On the 32-year-old’s impression, Guardiola stated: “Extraordinary. The primary aim was superb, the correct go and tempo from Phil Foden.
“The largest gamers seem on the most important levels. It is the hour of fact. We began nicely. We now have to do our job and end it. I am simply actually happy for the end result.”
“I am simply attempting to play good,” De Bruyne instructed TNT Sports activities. “It has been an extended 5 – 6 months however I am simply comfortable to be again, serving to the workforce win video games and be at my greatest.
“I really feel alright. Clearly, I nonetheless want a pair extra video games and minutes. I’ve not performed 90 minutes for nearly a yr however I am getting there, I am feeling good and the extent is sweet sufficient for the second – so I am comfortable.”
What’s next for Man City?
Man Metropolis are again in Premier League motion at house to Chelsea on Saturday Evening Soccer, reside on Sky Sports activities Premier League, with protection starting at 5pm and kick off at 5.30pm.
Their second leg with Copenhagen on the Etihad is on Wednesday March 6.
Man City’s next six fixtures
February 17: Chelsea (H) – Premier League, kick-off 5.30pm, reside on Sky Sports activities
February 20: Brentford (H) – Premier League, kick-off 7.30pm
February 24: Bournemouth (A) – Premier League, kick-off 5.30pm, reside on Sky Sports activities
February 27: Luton (A) – FA Cup fifth spherical, kick-off 8pm
March 3: Manchester United (H) – Premier League, kick-off 3.30pm, reside on Sky Sports activities
March 6: Copenhagen (H) – Champions League last-16 second leg, kick-off 8pm
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