Manchester City got off the mark in their Champions League round 16 clash against Danish Champions FC Copenhagen.
The Premier League and defending champions capped a dominant and sensational performance at the Parken stadium in Denmark running out with a deserved 3-1 victory.
The home fans roared in the stands in support of the home side but City's winning machine quickly came out top from the start with a dominant sail. It was just a matter of time before the Premier League and European champions fired themselves into the lead.
The first big chance of the game arrived for City in the 3rd minute when De Bruyne nearly put City ahead. The Belgian, unmarked, met a cross from Nathan Ake in the six-yard box but had his header cannon off the target.
De Bruyne atoned for the miss 7 minutes later when he latched on Ruben Diaz's pass and fired a first-time finish pass FC Copenhagen goalkeeper Grabara to give City the lead. It was a deserved lead for the dominant visitors.
Despite taking the lead City, Manchester City were on the ascendancy going forward. Substitute Jeremy Doku, who came on for injured Jack Grealish, set up Silva who struck the bar in the 23rd minute after having his attempt deflect off an FC Copenhagen player before ricocheting off the crossbar.
FC Copenhagen did find their way back into the game against the run of play in the 34th minute, thanks to a ludicrous blunder by Man City goalkeeper Ederson. The Brazilian mistakenly passed the ball FC Copenhagen player, who then fired on goal. Ederson was able to block the first attempt but the rebound fell on a platter for Mattson, who rifled it into the back of the net.
It nearly ended 1-1 at the break before clutch Bernardo Silva scored at the stroke of half time to restore City's lead. Kevin De Bruyne had his touch blocked by an FC Copenhagen player but the rebound fell on the path of Silva, who lifted it over Grabara to make it 2-1.
City maintained their dominant display in the second half but contended with an improved display by the hosts. It was almost barren in the second half before Phil Foden sealed the win for the away side, scoring in the 92nd minute to seal victory for the Premier League champions.
City have now won four consecutive Champions League away matches for the second time in the club's history and will be heading into the second leg of the encounter with a big advantage.
WATCH VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS HERE
The Premier League and defending champions capped a dominant and sensational performance at the Parken stadium in Denmark running out with a deserved 3-1 victory.
The home fans roared in the stands in support of the home side but City's winning machine quickly came out top from the start with a dominant sail. It was just a matter of time before the Premier League and European champions fired themselves into the lead.
The first big chance of the game arrived for City in the 3rd minute when De Bruyne nearly put City ahead. The Belgian, unmarked, met a cross from Nathan Ake in the six-yard box but had his header cannon off the target.
De Bruyne atoned for the miss 7 minutes later when he latched on Ruben Diaz's pass and fired a first-time finish pass FC Copenhagen goalkeeper Grabara to give City the lead. It was a deserved lead for the dominant visitors.
Despite taking the lead City, Manchester City were on the ascendancy going forward. Substitute Jeremy Doku, who came on for injured Jack Grealish, set up Silva who struck the bar in the 23rd minute after having his attempt deflect off an FC Copenhagen player before ricocheting off the crossbar.
FC Copenhagen did find their way back into the game against the run of play in the 34th minute, thanks to a ludicrous blunder by Man City goalkeeper Ederson. The Brazilian mistakenly passed the ball FC Copenhagen player, who then fired on goal. Ederson was able to block the first attempt but the rebound fell on a platter for Mattson, who rifled it into the back of the net.
It nearly ended 1-1 at the break before clutch Bernardo Silva scored at the stroke of half time to restore City's lead. Kevin De Bruyne had his touch blocked by an FC Copenhagen player but the rebound fell on the path of Silva, who lifted it over Grabara to make it 2-1.
City maintained their dominant display in the second half but contended with an improved display by the hosts. It was almost barren in the second half before Phil Foden sealed the win for the away side, scoring in the 92nd minute to seal victory for the Premier League champions.
City have now won four consecutive Champions League away matches for the second time in the club's history and will be heading into the second leg of the encounter with a big advantage.
WATCH VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS HERE