Copenhagen 1-3 Man City: Player ratings as reigning champions ease to first leg victory

Manchester City secured a 3-1 victory in their Champions League round of 16 first leg clash with Copenhagen on Tuesday evening.

The reigning champions made a lightning quick start to proceedings and Kevin De Bruyne produced a fine finish to open the scoring after just ten minutes. However, completely out of the blue, Magnus Mattsson netted a sublime equalister before Bernardo Silva put Man City back in front at the end of the first half.

Man City eventually grabbed a third in second-half stoppage time after a flurry of late chances, Phil Foden netting after some neat work with De Bruyne down the right flank and handing Pep Guardiola's side a commanding lead ahead of the return leg.

Copenhagen had already proven their credentials against Manchester opposition during the Champions League group stage, but welcoming the world champions to Denmark was likely to be a much trickier proposition.

The pattern of the game was set early on as Copenhagen sunk into a deep 4-5-1 out of possession, but they couldn't prevent Man City from taking the lead after ten minutes. Foden's smart through ball was latched on to by De Bruyne, who fizzed home an exquisite finish from inside the penalty area.

Silva came close to doubling Man City's lead, firing a cross near post that Denis Vavro headed on to his own crossbar rather fortuitously. Some last-ditch defending ensured that Copenhagen kept themselves in the game, with the hosts taking advantage of an Ederson error to produce a surprise equaliser in the 34th minute.

The Brazilian's miscued pass gifted Copenhagen a rare opportunity, Mattsson curling in a sensational effort from the edge of the box after Mohamed Elyounoussi's initial effort was blocked.

However, Man City would restore their lead