Champions League: Manchester City relish 'perfect' outing in Copenhagen, Real ride on Diaz's stunner at Leipzig
Manchester City laid down an early marker with a 3-1 win at FC Copenhagen in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 match while Real Madrid rode on a sensational solo effort from Brahim Diaz to clinch a nervy 1-0 win at RB Leipzig on Tuesday as the two favourites began their knockout stage with handy away victories.
Manchester City demonstrated their championship pedigree with a commanding 3-1 win against FC Copenhagen. Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Phil Foden each found the back of the net. De Bruyne opened the scoring just ten minutes into the game with a clinical finish from a tight angle, setting the tone for a dominant performance. The playmaker played a part in the next two goals. Phil Foden’s stoppage-time strike made sure the Premier League club returned home with a two-goal cushion.
It was a clinical effort from Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s men were tuned in from the word go against a team that has shown the ability to spring a surprise. Notably, Manchester United stumbled 4-3 in the group stage of the tournament in Copenhagen but City did not leave any room for such a result.
Pep Guardiola was proud of Manchester City’s effort, calling it a perfect outing and that the third goal has given them the confidence to get the job done when Copenhagen visit the Etihad Stadium next month.
“The biggest players appear on the biggest stages, it’s the hour of truth in the last 16 of the Champions League. The way we played today was perfect — be patient in the right moment, they are so tight, well-organised. I am really proud of the team again. It’s not done, the third goal helped us a lot and hopefully, we can finish at home,” Guardiola said, reflecting on City’s win on TNT Sports.
BRAHIM DIAZ STUNNER FOR REAL
Meanwhile, Real Madrid came up with a hard-working win, relying more on their defensive capability to neutralise the Leipzig threat away from home on Tuesday, days after hammering Girona 4-0 in La Liga.
Real Madrid secured a crucial away win despite missing key players, including the injured Jude Bellingham. Brahim Diaz, stepping into the spotlight, delivered an unforgettable performance capped with a stunning solo goal.
The decisive moment came three minutes into the second half when Diaz received the ball near the sideline. Demonstrating exceptional skill, he evaded the challenge of one defender before holding off two more as he drove towards the penalty area. With poise and precision, Diaz then unleashed a curling shot that soared past RB Leipzig’s goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi and nestled into the top corner of the net.
Despite Leipzig’s disallowed early goal for offside and several missed opportunities, Real Madrid’s defense, led by goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, stood firm. Vinicius Jr. also came close to doubling the lead but hit the post after a quick counter-attack. The narrow win sets up an intriguing second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 6, with Real Madrid holding the advantage.
