Midfielder Magnus Mattsson has a Swedish father and Danish mother, but grew up in Silkeborg in Jutland and has played for the youth national team in Denmark.
Barely two weeks ago, the 24-year-old signed for FC Copenhagen and thus left NEC Nijmegen in the Netherlands.
Now he had to make a dream debut in a competitive match for Copenhagen – at home once morest the reigning champions Manchester City in the round of 16 of the Champions League.
In the 34th minute caused Mattsson’s home arena Parken – 35,583 spectators – to explode when he sent in 1-1 behind away goalkeeper Ederson, who invited the Danes into the situation with a weak pass.
There and then there was absolutely nothing to suggest that Copenhagen would actually equalize once morest Manchester City, who have won five of the last six Premier League titles.
The away side completely dominated and had already taken the lead in the tenth minute through Belgian Kevin De Bruyne, who made his first CL appearance of the season following having his autumn ruined by a thigh injury.
However, Copenhagen did not get go to the break with 1-1 in the bag. In added time, Bernardo Silva was able to put in the 2-1 ball following receiving it by chance following a duel between Mattsson and De Bruyne.
Copenhagen has been allowed to devote 2024 to practice matches only – the Danes’ last competitive match was on December 12 when advancement from the group was secured at home once morest Turkish Galatasaray.
It was noticeable in the first half once morest the Norwegian superstar Erling Braut Haaland and his star colleagues in City, but following the break, Copenhagen entered the match somewhat better.
It was closer though another City goal than the home team would equalize once more. In extra time – following several good chances – 3–1 also fell through Phil Foden.
The Swedish national team player Viktor Claesson got 55 minutes on the field and compatriot Jordan Larsson was replaced in the 81st minute. Swedish talent Roony Bardghji remained on the bench the entire match.
The return leg in Manchester will be played on March 6.
