The two favorites, Real Madrid and Manchester City, started their Champions League round of 16 matches with comfortable away victories. Real Madrid triumphed over RB Leipzig, 1-0, thanks to a breathtaking solo effort from Brahim Diaz, while Manchester City set the tone early with a 3-1 win over F.C. Copenhagen.
Manchester City proved their title credentials with a resounding 3-1 victory over F.C. Copenhagen. Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Kevin De Bruyne all scored. Just 10 minutes into the match, De Bruyne set the tone for a dominating performance with a brilliant strike from a tight angle, opening the score. The playmaker assisted the following two goals. The Premier League team took a two-goal lead into halftime thanks to a goal from Phil Foden in stoppage time.
Manchester City performed a clinical performance, as Pep Guardiola’s team was on high alert from the start despite facing a side that demonstrated it can shock opponents. Notably, City left no opportunity for Manchester United to fall 4-3 in the tournament’s group round in Copenhagen.
Pep Guardiola praised Manchester City’s performance, saying it was a flawless outing and that City now feels confident going into next month’s match against Copenhagen at the Etihad Stadium.
“The biggest players appear on the biggest stages. It’s the hour of truth in the last 16 of the Champions League. The way we played today was perfect — be patient in the right moment, they are so tight and well-organized. I am proud of the team again. It’s not done; the third goal helped us a lot, and hopefully, we can finish at home,” Guardiola said, reflecting on City’s win on TNT Sports.
BRAHIM DIAZ STUNNER FOR REAL
After days after thrashing Girona 4-0 in La Liga, Real Madrid won a game on Tuesday that required more effort from them. They relied on their defensive skills to thwart Leipzig’s chances away from home.
Even without Jude Bellingham and other essential players due to injury, Real Madrid managed to clinch a vital away victory. Entering the limelight, Brahim Diaz put on a performance to remember, culminating with a breathtaking solo goal.
It was the game-changer when Diaz got the ball close to the sideline three minutes into the second half. He showed remarkable talent by dodging one defender’s charge and then fending off two more as he raced into the penalty area. After that, Diaz curled a shot with elegance and accuracy that went over RB Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi and into the far corner of the net.
Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin and Real Madrid’s defense held steady as Leipzig had an early goal disallowed for offside and wasted other chances. After a swift counterattack, Vinicius Jr. almost doubled the advantage, but his shot struck the post. With this close victory, Real Madrid advances to a highly anticipated second-leg match on March 6 at the Santiago Bernabeu.