Copenhagen vs Man City summary: score, goals and highlights - Champions League 2022/23
Copenhagen vs Man City: how it happened
Copenhagen 0-0 Man City: summary and match report
- 30' red card Sergio Gomez for denying clear opportunity
- 25' Mahrez has penalty saved by Grabara
- 11' Rodri wonder goal ruled out after VAR intervention
Manchester City closed in on the Champions League last 16 after drawing 0-0 at FC Copenhagen on Tuesday, despite playing the majority of the match with 10 men.
VAR took centre stage in an action-packed first half in Copenhagen. City thought they had taken the lead 11 minutes in with a goal-of-the-season contender from Rodri, only for the strike to be ruled out for handball in the build-up.
The video assistant referee stepped in again moments later to help City win a penalty for another handball, but Riyad Mahrez saw his spot kick saved by home goalkeeper Kamil Grabara.
A busy VAR then asked the referee to have another look at a foul by Sergio Gomez on the edge of the penalty area on the half hour mark, with the on-field official choosing to show the City full back a red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity.
The 10 men more than held their own in the second half, but with Liverpool to come in the Premier League at the weekend and qualification for the knockout stage almost secured, City left top goalscorer Erling Haaland on the bench and saw out the draw.
Top of Group G with 10 points from four matches, City will be sure of a place in the last 16 if Sevilla fail to beat Borussia Dortmund later on Tuesday, while Copenhagen are third on two points.
Copenhagen show spirit of the Lions
That point could prove vital in the chase for third place.
Peep, peep, peeeeep! It's all over!
Neither side making anything happen now and it feels like the draw is being accepted.
Three minutes to be added.
Ooooh! That would have been tasty.
Stamenic collects a few metres outside City's box as the attack builds and does so with a deft touch to create space for a shot.
He steps onto it, further to the left, and hits a clean strike which flies just past the far post, Ederson watching closely as he dived across. Decent effort.
Alvarez will be gutted tonight. Handed a start in place of Haaland but had to play as part of 10 men from half an hour in. The Argentine almost gets fed as he goes scampering into the open grass ahead of him but the assistant's flag is up.
That spark almost came from Cancelo -- such a talented player -- whose shot of pushed away by Grabara for a corner, which is subsequently dealt with.
An unexpectedly interesting feeling to the end of this game.
Almost a big mess there as Ederson and Laporte with the goalkeeper taking no chances and booting the ball out of play.
As we enter the closing minutes, it'd be fair to say that City haven't done enough to deserve all three points tonight... but they are clearly talented enough to find a spark before the end.
Neestrup follows Pep's lead and puts Diks in, hoping that will provide the necessary injection for home joy.
Guardiola adds a big dollop of fresh-legged class to his ranks as Silva and Foden take over from Grealish and De Bruyne.
Haaland waits longer. Pep clearly doesn't want to use him tonight.
More and more pressure building from the home side.
The latest being the best, a delicious cross played in from the left by Kristansen, behind the defenders, and Johannesson is inches from knocking it home. He almost clatters into Ederson but the Brazilian escapes on both counts.
Haaland waiting
Did you hear that millions of people signed a petition to get Erling Haaland kicked out of the Premier League?
The noise around the stadium rose just now as the home fans spotted a brilliant opportunity to break.
Substitute Johannesson had the option to play the obvious through ball but dallied and chose another, much less threatening route, which petered out.
Brilliant outswinging ball into the danger area from De Bruyne needs a strong header to deal with it. The follow up corner has some calling for a penalty to City but even today's trigger happy VAR doesn't get involved.
Maybe he was off for a cuppa.
First period of sustained control from the English champs, as Copenhagen choose to sit in and close off the spaces. Few teams can do that for long against Guardiola's men but when there's one less it appears a little easier.
As soon as the ball is shifted back to the defenders, three Danes sprint onto them and force a rushed clearance from Ederson. Sensible tactics.
De Bruyne trying to make more happen for his side but it's proving harder that he, and the rest, would have imagined. The Belgian gets round on the left but the angle is against him as he drives low into the side netting.
Another mistake from City as they attempt to clear their lines. That allows Stamenic to collect and drive infield before pulling the trigger a couple of metres short of the penalty box.
It was all about putting the laces through the ball as fast as possible, and the placement is all wrong. Another half chance though.
The Lions get some more decent possession but will be conscious of a certain Norwegian striker warming up on the sidelines. When will Pep throw Haaland on? Did he want to save him for Liverpool at the weekend?
The momentum for the hosts is halted with a clumsy challenge from Khocholava, 'agricultural' some would say.
That allows tonight's visitors to work the ball out to De Bruyne on the right and his swinging cross has to be punched away by the masked Grabara. The follow up clearance pleases the fans.
It's all white in these opening minutes and City look somewhat out of sorts. Daramy, Jelert and Haraldsson all causing problems down the left, winning a couple of corners in quick succession.
Peep! We're back underway and the lively crowd is immediately back and making plenty of noise. What a shock could be on the cards. It's still unlikely given the quality of this City side but they have a chance.
OK, the players are out for the second half.
Half-time musings: VARious talking points
Whether you love VAR or hate it will likely define how you look at most decisions. Today's triple involvement does little to persuade anyone either way, in my opinion. It's worth pointing out that on each occasion VAR only called the referee to look at the screen and review, so each time it was the on-field man's decision.
First, Rodri's stunning goal was ruled out, an accidental and innocuous handball from Mahrez in the immediate build up highlighted.
My call: play on, good goal.
Second, penalty awarded to City for another accidental and non-bearing ball-to-arm moment in the box.
My call: play on, and Grabara's save helped justice.
Third, the red card for Sergio Gomez. How the referee missed it I don't know. Maybe he was blindsided, maybe he thought the fall from Haraldsson was too elaborate.
My call: good intervention, right decision.
I should say that although I thought the first two were unnecessary interruptions, had the ref made those final decisions upon first sight, I'd have understood.
Grabara recording top marks
It's been some half for the Copenhagen keeper who, after picking the ball out of the net (only to find that it had been ruled out), saved Mahrez's spot kick to keep the scores level.
Peeeep!! The half-time whistle blows with the home side having offered the final attack.
Plenty to assess at the break, despite there being no goals.
Boilesen is back on and looks alright. Copenhagen build again and the blond locks of Haraldsson are again in view as the Icelandic teen controls, steps away and strikes. Just wide.
Five added minutes (blame VAR for that!)
As we enter the additional time, Boilesen has gone down and needs treatment. Let's see if he can continue.
into the final stages of the first half here and Copenhagen will be mindful that there's someone on the bench that could make up for City being a man down.
They just need to keep working as hard as they currently are though, and see where it takes them.
Nice attempt to skin Cancelo by Daramy there but the 20-year old just loses his footing and the ball runs out of play.
The white shirts of the hosts are looking to press higher up the pitch now, taking advantage of the extra man where possible.
In all the madness earlier I forget to share with you that Guardiola swapped out Mahrez for Ruben Dias after the red card.
If anything the crowd have gone a little quieter despite quite a lot going the way of their team. Maybe they are in a shock given the tonking they faced last week.
Right on time, the lad with the drums and loudspeaker gets everyone going again.
Haraldsson tries his luck from the dead ball but like a man in need of viagra is unable to get it up suitably. The wall does it's job and City survive.
Definitely a more interesting contest now.
Gomez sent off
The replay clearly shows the defender holding onto Haraldsson's arm and in doing so stops a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Fortunately for City the foul began just outside the area so it'll be a free kick.
Wait!!! VAR involved again. And this could be massive...
City still on top but the Lions are growing in confidence. The latest move sees a pull by Gomez on the edge of the area as the last man. But the ref waves claims away.
Mahrez penalty saved
The Algerian chooses to side foot his effort to the keeper's right but Grabara picks well and pushes it away. Fabulous save! More positivity for the Danes.
Ignore what I just said!! It's a penalty to Man City.
VAR again wanting to be a big part of tonight, calling Señor Soares to the screen to assess another accidental handball. He gives the spot kick and Mahrez steps up.
Back to the other end and Rodri gets a chance to hit another wonder striker from just outside the area. It's a left-footed half-volley this time and the Spaniard gets it all wrong.
The last few minutes have certainly given the hosts a sense of purpose and they'll be feeling more positive about things.
Oooh! The hosts fashion their first chance of the game (ignoring than that Ederson error earlier).
It's Lerager lurking on the edge of the area who meets a low ball in from the right sweetly and the City keeper has to tip it over the bar.
From the corner, more danger which the Brazilian unorthodoxly punches away, before his defenders clear.
We're back to the game and City push again.
Copenhagen can maybe take some belief from that decision and offer a little more.
NO GOAL
As you were, it's been chalked off. What a shame as it made so little difference to the play and denies us a wonderful UCL goal.
Wait just a minute, the ref has been called by VAR to have a look at the screen.
As the ball fell out of the sky, it brushed the arm of Mahrez, who then assisted Rodri.
GOAL!! What a hit! Rodri swings a boot and the top left corner of the Copenhagen goal is filled.
Immediately City are back on the front foot. This time Mahrez jinks his way into the box and then chips the ball to around the penalty area. It's the type of pass that has been buried on several occasions by a big Norwegian but he's unable to reach from his position on the bench.
Alvarez gets his first sniff. He does really well on the inside left channel, and then fires across goal trying to find the far post. It's dragged wide but a decent attempt.
Brilliant from Ederson in the City goal. And when I say 'brilliant' I mean almost hilarious.
City have had all of the ball thus far and a soft pass back is miss-controlled by Brazilian keeper almost resulting in a very amusing own goal. Just a corner.
It's an early exercise in keep ball from City, as their hosts sit in and allow play to exist in front of them. This could be a theme.
Peeep! The visitors get us underway, wearing their rather stylish black and red kit. A far cry from their famous sky blue.
It's almost time to get this show on the road. Can Copenhagen hold out?
Teams head out onto the pitch
That's right, the players have stepped out to a superstar welcome and we'll now go through our usual customaries.
That shimmering starred ball covering the centre circle is still a great site, and the anthem, well...
The whistler
Our referee tonight is Artur Dias from Portugal.
He will be assisted by Rui Tavares and Paulo Soares, while the fourth official is Fabio Verissimo.
In the VAR box is Tiago Martins and he'll have Benoit Milliot to run things by.
Alvarez hoping to double UCL tally
The youngster already has a taste of the onion bag in Europe's premiere competition. After being handed a start tonight, my money would be on him getting a couple more.
Players out: Copenhagen and Man City
In case you were wondering why certain players are missing from tonight's fixture, this injury list may help... although its length certainly does coach Neestrup no favours
- Amoo A.
- Babacar K.
- Cornelius A.
- Falk R.
- Karamoko M.
- Oikonomou M.
- Oskarsson O. S.
- Vavro D.
- Zeca
It's less troublesome for the English champs:
Mendy B. (Suspended)
Phillips K.
Stones J.
Walker K.
A potential Claess act for the hosts
Chances may be few and far between for the Danish side but in Viktor Claesson, the joint domestic top-scorer, they have a threat.
And given recent form, he tends to start hot, with five of his last seven goals coming before half-time. Eyes open!
How they stand: City 100%
So you know that gulf in class I was talking about? Well, the Group G table gives the perfect pictorial representation of that.
The Cityzens have scored 24 goals in their last six games (all wins, shock!) and will be expecting to leave here with another convincing three points.
Despite only having picked up a single point in their opening three games, Copenhagen will know that third place is still up for grabs.
| group G | T | MP | W | D | L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
No Haaland for CIty
Well, it sort of makes sense, doesn't it, to leave out the big Norwegian. The gulf in class is obvious, no matter who steps onto the field from this City squad. It means the likes of Alvarez gets a chance to show his undoubted talent.
Oh, and there's the small matter of playing Liverpool at the weekend to think about. (Although given the Reds' current form, Copenhagen may fancy their chances right now!)
Fair to say that Pep Guardiola is in a rather perfect position given the situation and resources at his disposal.
Starting XI: Man City
Ederson, Cancelo, Akanji, Laporte, Gomez, Rodri, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Mahrez, Alvarez, Grealish
Starting XI: Copenhagen
Grabara; Kristiansen, Khocholava, Lund, Boilensen; Jelert, Lerager, Stamenic; Daramy, Haraldsson, Claesson
OK, team news is in. Let's start with the hosts...
Parken Stadion looking good
Did you know that the Parken Stadium, also known simply as Parken and as Telia Parken, is a football stadium in the Indre Østerbro district of Copenhagen, Denmark, built from 1990 to 1992, and it's got a capacity of just over 38,000.
No, neither did I until I checked WIki earlier.
Erling Haaland’s stunning start to life in the English Premier league means he’s threatening a host of goal scoring records with his new club Manchester City, who he joined from Borussia Dortmund this summer after the English club activated his €60 million release clause. (That’s about the same in dollars).
Our David takes a look at all the milestones in range for the Norwegian...
Haaland headlining
As yet we do not know if Erling Haaland will be starting for City (although team news is not far away) but if he is he'll be looking to add to his already incredible stats.
Haaland now has 28 games in 22 appearances, from his time at Salzburg, Dortmund and now City. He added two against Copenhagen this week, in City’s 5-0 win. The record for Champions League goals stands at a remarkable 140 set by Cristiano Ronaldo in his spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
There’s no doubt that if Haaland is injury free he’ll be playing at a club who are almost certain to be in the Champions League every season, and likely to progress deep into the tournament, giving him game time to keep amassing his Champions League goal stats. Even so, the Norwegian goal machine would likely need at least eight, nine or more seasons at the top of his game in the Champions League to trouble Ronaldo’s efforts.
Copenhagen looking for improvement
The fans will not be expecting three points today but hopefully a better result at home than what happened last week in Manchester.
One thing is for sure, the local supporters will be in fine voice throughout.
Champions League excitement
Plenty of players taking off and touching down around Europe for the UCL fixtures. Who's that big blond?
I'm sure you'll be staying with me until the final whistle but if you'd also like some viewing options then check out our handy little guide.
Copenhagen vs Man City live: welcome
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the early game in the Champions League as Premier League big boys Manchester City arrive in Denmark to face FC Copenhagen.
Our build-up starts here, before taking you through all the action on the pitch...