MAN CITY PLAYER RATINGS: Akanji was a rock at the back & even opened the scoring

Manchester City eased into the Champions League quarter-finals and geared up for their showdown against Liverpool in style after beating Copenhagen.

With the weekend's crucial trip to Anfield now just around the corner, Pep Guardiola rang the changes as his side looked to build on their 3-1 last-16 aggregate lead.

In the end, the scoreline was a repeat of the first leg, with Manuel Akanji, Julian Alvarez and the ever-ruthless Erling Haaland all on target inside the first half.

The result means City's bid to retain the famous jug-eared trophy remains on track.

Here, Mail Sport's JOE BERNSTEIN has rated their players' performances...

EDERSON - 7

Sometimes has to stand aside for Stefan Ortega in cup games but Guardiola didn't want to take any chances. The Brazilian kept his concentration well, in particularly making a fine save from Magnus Mattsson when he could have become bored with City enjoying 70 per cent possession.

RICO LEWIS - 6.5

The homegrown youngster didn't try anything spectacular but is comfortable on the ball to keep City's passing carousel moving. A firm favourite with the fans who were disappointed that he was denied by the crossbar late on.

MANUEL AKANJI - 7.5

Opened the scoring with a rocket volley from a corner for his first goal of 2024. Able to fit in anywhere along City's backline and was a secure presence on this occasion in the centre of defence.

RUBEN DIAS - 7

Captain for the night and his drive and passion ensured there would be no chance of complacency from City despite having a 3-1 lead from the first leg. Made way for John Stones with the job done.

JOSKO GVARDIOL - 6

Guardiola insists on playing one of the world's best centre-halves at left-back and the Croatian still doesn't look comfortable. It'll be