FC København – Manchester City: The De Bruyne-Foden Show Guide City To Routine Win (1-3)

As anticipated, Manchester City comfortably defeated FC København despite the home team’s spirited performance. With key players returning from injuries, City reverted to the structure that led to their success last season, while it was clear that København were taken by surprise by Pep Guardiola’s tactical adjustments.

Tactical analysis and match report by Rahul Madhavan.

This clash could be argued as one of the most lopsided draws in this season’s Champions League knockout rounds, with Manchester City heavily favored to overcome København. However, the Danish side has quietly made waves this season, securing impressive results against Bayern Munich, Galatasaray and Manchester United.

København have not engaged in a competitive fixture since their final Champions League group stage match, which secured their qualification. Nevertheless, they have played several friendlies and participated in the Atlantic Cup this month, securing two victories and suffering one defeat. While momentum may not be entirely on their side, they do benefit from a break, contrasting with Manchester City’s recent hectic schedule. Notably, when these two teams met last year at this venue, City could only manage a goalless draw.

Head coach Jacob Neestrup continued with Kamil Grabara in goal, while the back four comprised Elias Jelert, Denis Vavro, Scott McKenna, and Kevin Diks. Diogo Gonçalves and Rasmus Falk retained their positions in midfield, with Magnus Mattsson stepping in for the suspended Lukas Lerager. Upfront, Mohamed Elyounoussi, Viktor Claesson, and Elias Achouri remained unchanged.

Meanwhile, the reigning champions seem to be hitting their peak once again at the right moment. Guardiola’s men have displayed an uncanny . . .