JAKARTA - Manchester City passed their first Champions League test by stopping the FC Copenhagen 3-1 resistance. However, Man City is again faced with the problem of player injuries. This time, Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva, who had to pull over, although it was not yet known when to recover.
Man City is one step away from advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals. The victory over Copenhagen at Parken Stadium, Wednesday, February 14, 2024 in the morning, means a lot to The Cityzens.
The reason is that in the second round of the last 16, Man City only needed a draw. On the other hand, Copenhagen must win if they want to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Guardiola himself was satisfied with the victory in the away match. Moreover, they were able to beat the team that had a very neat game organization.
"We played so perfect. We played patiently at the right time. The reason is we are facing opponents with a neat and disciplined game organization. I am proud of this team," said Guardiola.
"But the fight is not over yet. Obviously, the third goal really helped us. Next, I hope we can finish it in the home game," he said.
In that match, Man City took the lead through Kevin De Bruyne. However, Copenhagen had equalized the score through Magnus Mattsson. Man City finally turned ahead when Silva and Phil Foden managed to break into the hosts' goal.
According to Guardiola, it is important for Man City not to lose in away matches. Although Copenhagen had equalized the score, they were able to win again and even add goals in injury time.
"It's important not to lose this game. The game has also been going really well since the first minute. We conceded goals. That can actually be avoided but sometimes that happens. But overall we rarely concede," said the former Bayern Munich coach.
However, Guardiola had to lose two mainstay players. Winger Jack Grealish suffered a groin injury which left him pulled out in the 21st minute. Grealish's position was later replaced by Jeremy Doku.
Then Bernardo Silva, who scored Man City's goal and changed the score to 2-1 and then was also withdrawn due to injury. "It's a shame with their injuries. Bernando and Jack really helped us with their passes when the team attacked," said Guardiola.
"Bernardo has an injury in the ankle. He seems to have a muscle problem. Jack also felt pain after falling," he said.
They also joined other players, Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, and Sergio Gomez who had already been sidelined due to injury.
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