City in pole position in UEFA Youth League group after fine win in Copenhagen

Brian Barry-Murphy’s side were outstanding and thoroughly deserved a victory that takes us one step closer to qualification for the knock-out phase for the first time since the 2017/18 season.

A close-range Will Dickson strike and a penalty from Adedire Mebude put City 2-0 up, before Noah Sahsah’s powerful strike gave Copenhagen hope.

But Carlos Borges‘ goal 10 minutes from time sealed a fine win. 

City now have 10 points from four matches and top Group G with two matches remaining.

What happened

With City slow to settle in the early stages, the home side started brightly and struck the post after Alexander Illum Simmelhack’s powerful low drive had Mikki Van Sas beaten.

City’s first clear-cut chance came when Carlos Borges’ inch-perfect cross found Will Dickson, but the striker failed to connect from close range and Adedire Mebude then fired over the bar from a tight angle.

It was a sign of things to come.

Moments later, the outstanding Oscar Bobb played a wonderful threaded ball into Borges, whose snapshot from close range was deflected wide, before Borges forced Andreas Dithmer to tip over his bar after a fine one-two with Bobb. City were now in the ascendency and a goal felt ever closer.

And just after the half hour mark it arrived. Borges capitalised on some sloppy play at the back by Copenhagen, played a one-two with Bobb and then squared for Dickson to tap home. It was poor play from Copenhagen, but City ruthlessly exposed their carelessness to go ahead and it was no more than we deserved.

City’s lead was doubled 10 minutes into the second half when Mebude was fouled inside the area. The forward picked himself up and dispatched the penalty with aplomb, putting City firmly in control of proceedings.

A fine strike from Noah Sahsah halved the arrears for Copenhagen to set up a tense finale, but City managed the game expertly, and Borges scored with 10 minutes remaining to seal a memorable victory. 

Man of the match: Oscar Bobb

A performance of pure class.

This is a player with an incredibly bright future. Like a magnet to the ball, he always wanted possession - whether to the left, right or through the centre - and consistently produced quality on the ball that unlocked the Copenhagen defence.

He has an eye for a pass and brilliant touch, feel and technique. But it wasn’t all silk - there’s some steel, too, with his desire to win the ball back when we lose it a huge weapon in our arsenal. 

It was a joy to watch him conduct the orchestra against quality opposition.

WATCH: UEFA Youth League highlights: FC Copenhagen 1-3 City

Teams

FC Copenhagen XI: Dithmer, Moller, Halsgaard, Amundsen-Day, Kaastrup, Hojlund, Jorgensen, Hojlund (Froholdt 67’), Schlichting (Nielsen 62’), Simmelhack (Chiakha 84’), Sahsah

Unused subs: Perelman, Szucs, Olsson, Thiachiakha, Linden

City

City XI: Van Sas, Lakyle, Burns, Katongo, Galvez (Taylor 80’), Charles, Bobb, O’Reilly, Mebude (Oboavwoduo 90’), Borges (Ogwuru 90’), Dickson (Adam 77’)

Unused subs: Alleyne, Murray-Jones, Heskey

What it means

City lead the way in Group G having taken 10 points from four matches. We move one step closer to the knock-out phase for the first time since the 2017/18 season when Simon Davies was in charge.

In order to automatically qualify for the last 16, we need to finish top of the group. A second place finish would see us enter a play-off tie with the successful sides from the Domestic Champions Path.

What’s next

City are next in action a week today when we travel to Derby County in the EFL Trophy. That match gets under way at 19:00 (UK).

Victories in our final two Northern Group F matches – against Derby and Grimsby - would see us progress.

And then it’s back to PL2 action on Saturday 22 October when Crystal Palace visit the Academy Stadium. That game kicks off at 13:00 (UK).

Our next UEFA Youth League assignment sees us travel to Germany to face Borussia Dortmund. It’s live on CITY+ and Recast and it kicks off at 15:00 (UK).  

CITY+ AND RECAST

You can watch exclusive City content on CITY+ and Recast.

Available for just £2.99 per month across all our digital platforms, a CITY+ subscription provides supporters with unrivalled access to new and exclusive City content.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CITY+

It will allow you to watch full-match replays of all Men’s and Women’s matches, selected broadcasts of Women’s, Elite Development Squad and Academy matches and provides access to the full catalogue of City Studios documentaries.

The official Man City Recast channel offers fans flexible, pay-per-view live fixtures and on demand viewing options including match action from across the years, legend interviews, Best of Series, Man City Esports and City Studios documentaries.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RECAST