Manchester City comfortably advanced past Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday night, securing a 3-1 second-leg victory at the Etihad Stadium.
Early goals from Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez quickly extinguished any hopes Copenhagen may have harbored for an aggregate comeback. Although Mohamed Elyounoussi scored a high-quality goal, Erling Haaland ensured City continued their impressive form with three goals in eight consecutive European games this season.
City faced none of the challenges encountered by neighbors Manchester United against Copenhagen in the group stage. Having already done substantial work in the first leg in Denmark last month, the cup holders now secure their place in the quarter-final draw.
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In the match, Akanji met Alvarez’s corner to volley in impressively with his right foot, securing an early lead for City. The team’s dominance continued, with Alvarez contributing to City’s second goal as Rodri’s header struck the crossbar, and the Argentine capitalized on the rebound.
Despite Elyounoussi’s well-executed goal, Haaland restored the four-goal aggregate lead just before half-time, receiving Rodri’s diagonal ball and beating goalkeeper Kamil Grabara.
While Copenhagen made efforts in the second half, the tie appeared settled. With an eye on an important weekend clash against Liverpool, City did not exert themselves further. Subsequent substitutions disrupted the flow, and the remainder of the game saw limited genuine chances, with Copenhagen pressuring but failing to hit the target. The match almost ended 4-1 in stoppage time when Rico Lewis’ strike hit the bar via a deflection.