2024-02-13 22:14:00
Manchester City and Real Madrid seem to be living up to their role as favorites in the round of 16 of the Champions League. The English had the upper hand 3-1 in the first leg once morest surprise knockout phase participants FC Copenhagen on Tuesday. The Spaniards defeated RB Leipzig 1-0 away without ÖFB star David Alaba, who was injured for a long time with his knee. Of the ÖFB team players, only Xaver Schlager played for the Germans. The second leg follows on March 6th (9 p.m.).
Copenhagen knocked Manchester United out of the competition in the group stage. This feat is unlikely to be repeated once morest the local rivals. Coach Josep Guardiola’s team clearly dominated the action in Denmark and were also able to look forward to a dream start. After Foden’s hole pass, Kevin de Bruyne deliberately hit the far corner (10th). Copenhagen goalkeeper Kamil Grabara was able to prevent the score from making it 0-2 (23rd) with a ball that hit the crossbar.
Guests continue to set the tone
Copenhagen only got their first goal in the 34th minute and were successful once morest the run of the game. A hair-raising pass from goalie Ederson to Copenhagen striker Mohamed Elyounoussi initiated the action. His shot was still blocked, but Magnus Mattsson sank the ball into the net from just outside the penalty area on his second attempt (34′). Nothing changed in the game, the guests continued to set the tone and took the lead once more before the half-time whistle. Bernardo Silva delicately chipped the ball into the corner with his left outer instep following winning press balls from De Bruyne (45th+1).
After the break, Erling Haaland should have increased his chances, but goal number three only came in stoppage time by Foden (92nd), who had no trouble finishing following De Bruyne’s preparatory work. 26:4 shots and a ball possession ratio of 75:25 illustrate Man City’s clear preponderance.
Sesko hit not given
Everything might have been completely different in Leipzig if a header from ex-Salzburg player Benjamin Sesko hadn’t been disallowed following less than two minutes. Sesko (3rd, 10th, 20th) was also dangerous three more times. Real mightn’t shine before the break. A shot by Eduardo Camavinga (9th) and two half chances by Rodrygo (23rd, 42nd) were the only notable scenes in the attack.
At the beginning of the second half, a stroke of genius from Brahim Diaz brought the decisive goal. The 24-year-old Spaniard, who replaced the injured Jude Bellingham, might not be stopped in a wonderful individual action by four Leipzig players, including Schlager. Otherwise, Real only became really dangerous when Vinicus Junior shot once morest the pole (72′). Regardless, Leipzig would have earned a point. Once once more Sesko and Amadou Haidara failed to equalize.
1707866099
#League #ManCity #wins #Copenhagen #Real #Madrid #narrowly #wins #Leipzig
