Couple Lucas Michel
Published 3 minutes ago, Updated now
Julian Alvarez and City terrorized Kamil Grabara on the first leg and on the second leg. REUTERS / Carl Recine / AFP / PAUL ELLIS
The prowess of the Alvarez-Haaland duo, the defensive setbacks of Copenhagen… and City, find the tops and flops after the Citizens’ qualification on Wednesday (3-1).
TOPS
Alvarez killed all the suspense
Restricted to the bench during the last matches, but also in the first leg (1-3), Julian Alvarez returned to the starting eleven… and the light during City’s victory against Copenhagen this Wednesday (3- 1). All as an aperitif, ten minutes flat, with a corner placed towards Akanji (5th) then a goal with the complicity of Grabara (9th). Very available near the surface, the Argentinian was the most prominent offensive player in the first period, where he could have increased the score with more spontaneity (34th, 40th).
Akanji defender scorer
A prolific scorer for a central defender, Manuel Akanji scored a fifth goal this season. The third in the most prestigious of competitions, and in what way, with a splendid volley from the start (5th). In his register, he was dominant in the duel (4 wins) and precise in the restart (95% of successful passes). Always well placed, as with this cross sent back at the last minute (69th), the Swiss was an example of serenity and was also elected man of the match.
Read alsoChampions League: without forcing themselves, Manchester City heads into the quarters
Haaland doesn’t panic
Unlucky and erased for a good half hour, Erling Haaland woke up with a bang. Almost a decisive passer for Alvarez (34th), the Norwegian ended up finding the fault, with a sublime sequence with his back to goal, in the middle of two helpless defenders (45th + 3). Returning to the ranks in the second half, like his partners, the “Cyborg” will have experienced another contrasting match, as often in recent weeks, but his sixth goal of the season in C1 was enough to bring a smile to his face when he left at the very end match.
FLOPS
City and the annoying habit of the first shot on target
Since we have to find weaknesses in Guardiola’s City, it is appropriate to talk about this tendency to concede a goal… on the opponent’s first shot on target. Rebelote this Wednesday, for the 16th time this season (43 matches). A sign of a certain recurring defensive excitement and an obvious thorn in the side in the quest for a new C1-Championship-FA Cup treble.
Read alsoManchester City-Copenhagen: relive the qualification of the Skyblues
Grabara, the mask for bad days
Already in difficulty in the first leg, where he came out at the wrong time for the first Mancunian goals, Kamil Grabara was once again at fault in the Danish goals. Helpless on Akanji’s volley, the masked Polish goalkeeper, exceptionally captain this Wednesday, was guilty of a gross hand fault on the locals’ second goal before anticipating the wrong way on Haaland’s goal. Too advanced, he failed to concede a final goal on the gong, but he was saved by his crossbar (90th + 1).
