Manchester City has qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2023-2024 Champions League. The Citizens walked away after successfully beating FC Copenhagen with a score of 3-1 (6-2 aggregate) in the second leg of the Champions League last 16 at the Etihad Stadium, Wednesday (6/3/2024). This victory was also marked by a good record set by Julian Alvarez.
City appeared excellent in this match. Josep “Pep” Guardiola’s troops managed to score 3 goals in the first half. City’s first goal was created by Manuel Akanji in the 5th minute. Akanji scored the goal in extraordinary fashion. He fired a volley kick after receiving a mature pass from a corner which was executed by Julian Alvarez.
Only 9 minutes later, Alvarez put his name on the scoreboard. The bomber from Argentina took advantage in the penalty box. The ball from a hard kick from Alvarez’s right foot was unable to be blocked by goalkeeper Kamil Grabara. Thanks to these goals and assists, Alvarez created history.
He is the first player to score a goal and assist in the first 10 minutes of a knockout phase in Champions League history. Leading 2-0, City lost control in the 29th minute. The visiting team was able to score a goal back through the action of Mohamed Elyounoussi.
Apart from that, City remains superior in this match. They were able to score another goal in the 45+3 minute. City’s third goal was created by Erling Haaland. This goal enabled Man City to close the first half with a 3-1 lead.
Unlike the first half, City had difficulty scoring quick goals. Pep then made changes in the middle of the second half. He brought on John Stones (68th minute) and Micah Hamilton (74′). The two players replaced Ruben Dias and Matheus Nunes.
However, these changes never produced results. Pep then carried out an experiment in the 87th minute. The Spanish coach gave Jacob Wright the opportunity to appear. Jacob replaces Haaland. Jacob appeared in the Champions League at the age of only 18 years. However, no additional goals were scored until the match was over. City finally won with a score of 3-1.
