MAN CITY PLAYER RATINGS: Versatile Manuel Akanji was a rock at the back and even opened the scoring while Erling Haaland netted his customary goal – but which big name struggled?

Manchester City easily advanced to the quarter-finals of the Champions League and prepared in style for their showdown against Liverpool after beating Copenhagen.

With the crucial weekend trip to Anfield now just around the corner, Pep Guardiola made the changes as his side looked to build on their 3-1 aggregate lead in the last 16.

In the end, the score was a repeat of the first leg, with Manuel Akanji, Julián Álvarez and the always ruthless Erling Haaland scoring in the first half.

The result means City’s bid to retain the famous jug-eared trophy remains on track.

JOE BERNSTEIN from Mail Sport has assessed the performance of his players here…

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EDERSON – 7

He sometimes has to sideline Stefan Ortega in cup matches, but Guardiola didn’t want to take any risks. The Brazilian kept his concentration well, particularly by making a good save from Magnus Mattsson when he might have been bored with City enjoying 70 per cent possession.

RICO LEWIS – 6.5

The local youngster didn’t try anything spectacular, but he feels comfortable on the ball to keep City’s passing carousel moving. A firm favorite with fans who were disappointed to be denied by the crossbar at the last moment.

MANUEL AKANJI – 7.5

He opened the scoring with a rocket volley from a corner for his first goal of 2024. Able to slot in anywhere in City’s backline and was a confident presence on this occasion in the center of defence.

RUBEN DAYS – 7

The captain for the night and his drive and passion ensured that City had no chance of complacency despite holding a 3-1 lead from the first leg. He made way for John Stones with the job done.

JOSKO GVARDIOL – 6

Guardiola insists on playing as a left back with one of the best centre-backs in the world and the Croatian still doesn’t seem comfortable. It will be interesting if Guardiola persists with him in the same position next season. He was dragged away by the Copenhagen mobile attackers.

RODRÍ – 7

So important for City that Pep Guardiola hooked him at half-time with the tie so that he is fresh for the most important tests that await him. Not only was he skilled, but his physical presence in the box distracted Copenhagen and allowed Akanji to score the first goal.

MATEO KOVACIC – 6

Clean and tidy, but doesn’t affect the game as much as it does other players. Guardiola clearly considers him an upgrade on Kalvin Phillips, but he failed to take advantage of this opportunity by the neck.

MATHEUS NUNES – 6.5

He has an extra meter of pace that helps City in open positions. We’re all looking for clues about Sunday’s lineup. Could the fact that he was taken off after 74 minutes be an indication that he will start at Anfield?

OSCAR BOBB – 7

Another young man who is going to do great things at City. Bobb was given the lead role of number 10 with Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne and showed poise and creativity. He recycled the ball in preparation for Alvarez’s second goal that effectively ended the game.

JULIÁN ALVAREZ – 7

Lucky to score with a shot that slipped through Kamil Grabara’s fingers, but his ferocious work rate works well with City’s technical geniuses around him. The injuries to Doku and Grealish give him the chance to start at Anfield.

ERLING HAALAND – 7

Some surprise, he played for so long given Sunday’s clash against Liverpool, but scored his usual clinical goal to justify selection. He looks ready for the big one and has now equaled Sergio Aguero’s career total of 41 goals in European competition.

SUBSTITUTES

Sergio Gómez (by Rodri 45) 6

John Stones (for Day 68) 6.5

Micah Hamilton (by Nunes 74) 6

Jacob Wright (by Haaland 88)