Erling Haaland stands out as Manchester City beat Copenhagen in Champions League clash

Manchester City asserted their dominance in the Champions League with a resounding 3-1 victory over FC Copenhagen, securing a spot in the quarter-finals. 

The match unfolded as expected, with Manuel Akanji effortlessly volleying in a corner just five minutes into the game.

Copenhagen, despite finishing above Manchester United in their Champions League group, struggled to contain City's relentless attacks. Julian Alvarez capitalised on a goalkeeping error, extending City's lead to 2-0. The visiting fans cheekily chanted "Two-nil to the library," reflecting the lopsided nature of the match.

However, Copenhagen managed to pull one back, exploiting Manchester City's defensive lapse. Mohamed Elyounoussi calmly slotted the ball beyond Ederson, marking their first-ever away goal in a Champions League knock-out tie. Although it did not alter the overall result, it injected a moment of challenge into City's otherwise smooth performance.

Erling Haaland, the goal-scoring sensation, added another chapter to his remarkable story by netting his 41st Champions League goal just before half-time. In a playful celebration, he mimicked a previous volley, showcasing his skill and lighthearted approach to the game.

The second half saw Manchester City's continued dominance, with Erling Haaland creating opportunities and the team attempting to feed him for more goals. Despite Copenhagen providing occasional threats, the outcome was never in doubt.

As the final whistle blew, City secured their place in the quarter-finals for the sixth successive season. The focus now shifts to the Premier League, with a crucial clash against Liverpool looming on the horizon. Guardiola's strategic rotations and the team's seamless performance affirmed their status as Champions League favorites, alongside giants like Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain, and Real Madrid.

The match highlighted not only City's relentless pursuit of victory but also Erling Haaland's exceptional goal-scoring ability. His ability to maintain a ratio of more than a goal per game in the Champions League sets him apart from football legends like Messi and Ronaldo.