UCL: Man City cruise pass Copenhagen; Real Madrid edge Leipzig
Kevin De Bruyne’s was involved in all three goals as Manchester City beat FC Copenhagen 3-1 on Tuesday to close in on the Champions League quarterfinals with Real Madrid also earning a narrow win away to Leipzig.
De Bruyne’s early opener was cancelled out against the run of play by Magnus Mattsson.
Bernardo Silva restored City’s lead before halftime, but they had to wait until stoppage time to add further punishment for the hosts when Phil Foden turned home De Bruyne’s cut-back.
De Bruyne was sidelined for five months by a hamstring tear suffered on the opening night of the Premier League season in August.
But since his return last month, the 32-year-old has scored two goals and provided seven assists in seven appearances.
The English champions have now won 11 consecutive games in all competitions as they remain on course to repeat last season’s treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.
Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz scored a stunning goal after a solo run as they beat hosts RB Leipzig 1-0 to take a clear advantage into their Champions League last-16 second leg next month.
The 24-year-old, filling in for the injured Jude Bellingham, struck against the run of play in the 48th minute.
Real goalkeeper Andriy Lunin then came to the rescue with a string of saves to protect the lead as the Spaniards made it seven straight wins in the competition this season.
In a lively start the home side thought they had gone ahead when striker Benjamin Sesko headed in after three minutes. His effort though was disallowed following a VAR review.
The Slovenian had another chance before Real gradually brought some balance to the game and came close themselves through Rodrygo, making his 200th appearance for the club.
The return leg in Spain is on 6 March.
best team