Erling Haaland continued his Champions League odyssey with a customary goal as Manchester City swatted Copenhagen aside to win 3-1 and ease into the quarter-finals 6-2 on aggregate.
The Norwegian controlled a cross-field pass from Rodri to bulldoze his way past a defender and slot into the net just before half-time, grabbing his 41st goal in just 37 games in Europe’s elite competition. It was enough to put him in the top 20 all-time scorers in the Champions League, despite playing just his fifth season in it.
Haaland’s goal gave a much-changed City side an extra cushion in a pretty comfortable game after getting off to an ideal start thanks to a volley from Manuel Akanji. Julian Alvarez doubled their advantage with a fortuitous strike which went through the soft hands of Copenhagen goalkeeper Kamil Grabara
The Danes then scored the best goal of the game, Mohamed Elyounoussi playing a one-two off Orri Oskarsson and curling into the far corner to complete a sweeping counterattack. But Haaland, just as he had in the derby win over Manchester United, made it 3-1, which allowed his team-mates to ease up in the second half, knowing their place in the last-eight draw was assured. It also ensured Haaland joined Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane on top of the competition’s scoring charts.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Ederson (5/10):
Beaten with the first shot he faced but later blocked a stinging effort from Magnus Mattsson.
Rico Lewis (6/10):
He has had brighter displays, including in this competition, and got pushed about a bit.
Manuel Akanji (7/10):
Got the ball rolling with a clever volley from Alvarez’s corner, his fourth goal of the season. Switched to right-back when Stones entered.
Ruben Dias (7/10):
Commanded the defence astutely and was given an early rest for his efforts.
Josko Gvardiol (5/10):
Misplaced too many passes and Guardiola had a firm word with him during a pause in play. Not for the first time and unlikely to be the last.
Midfield
Matheus Nunes (6/10):
Rarely looked in trouble but doesn’t provide anything like the composure of Phil Foden or Bernardo Silva. Forced off with a painful-looking finger injury.
Rodri (7/10):
Bossed the midfield, played his part in two goals and then got a rest at half-time. Job done.
Mateo Kovacic (7/10):
Brushed off a nasty early challenge to take control of the game and took on more responsibility when Rodri came off.
Attack
Julian Alvarez (7/10):
Set up Akanji’s opener then scored his fifth Champions League goal of the season, albeit with a helping hand from Grabara.
Erling Haaland (7/10):
It was a quiet evening for the Norwegian compared with his five-goal salvo at this stage of last season’s competition but still got his customary goal, exhibiting his brute strength.
Oscar Bobb (7/10):
Another bright performance from a player who is doing exactly what his coach wants him to do and more.
Subs & Manager
Sergio Gomez (5/10):
Got a rare 45 minutes but could not make it count, seeing little of the ball.
John Stones (6/10):
Replaced Dias midway through the second half and helped City keep control.
Micah Hamilton (5/10):
Replaced Haaland in the 74th minute but couldn’t add to the goals.
Jacob Wright (N/A):
Made his Champions League bow in the 87th minute.
Pep Guardiola (7/10):
Made seven changes to the team that beat United but his side still dominated.
