Player Ratings: Man City's Comfortable Victory Over Copenhagen Keeps Champions League Title Defense Alive

On Wednesday night, Manchester City smoothly progressed beyond Copenhagen in the Champions League, achieving a second-leg victory of 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.

Both Julian Alvarez and Manuel Akanji scored goals right at the game's onset, thereby essentially declaring the competition over before it had even begun. Despite Mohamed Elyounoussi subsequently securing an impressive goal, Erling Haaland made sure City continued its current streak of three goals per European game this season, reaching eight consecutive games.

Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, did not face the difficulties encountered by their neighbors, Manchester United, against Copenhagen during the group stage. Given the significant progress already made during last month's first leg in Denmark, City, the cup holders, are now prepared to enter the quarter-final draw.

In the first five minutes, City dominated and scored a goal in their first attempt, as Alvarez's corner was strikingly volleyed in by Akanji with his right foot, extinguishing any remaining sliver of hope for Copenhagen regarding a comeback.

City continued to apply early pressure, leading to their scoring a second goal by the ninth minute. Alvarez almost assisted another goal as his corner went towards Rodri, whose header hit the crossbar. Following this, the ball returned to Alvarez on the left, who then cut through and shot wide, watching as Kamil Grabara, the former Liverpool goalkeeper, was unable to catch the ball.

There was a small setback when Elyounoussi narrowed the overall lead by scoring a magnificent goal, but Haaland restored the four-goal difference on the stroke of half-time, equalling the Champions League tally of Sergio Aguero. Haaland found a gap between the defenders, got the ball from Rodri and fooled Grabara.

Despite their ongoing attempts during the second half, there was a general admission from the Copenhagen side that the game was essentially over. With their crucial upcoming match against Liverpool, City had little reason to extend their efforts.

The flow of the game was disrupted by substitutions from each team, leading to few genuine chances towards its end. However, Rico Lewis nearly made it 4-1 during stoppage time with a deflected shot hitting the bar.