The City team had a strong start to the game, already ahead by two goals, and they wasted no time securing their lead with goals from Manuel Akanji, Julian Alvarez, and Erling Haaland in the first half.
Akanji made good use of City’s first opportunity, skillfully volleying Alvarez’s corner into the net just five minutes into the match.
“It was a perfect setup for me,” Akanji recounted to TNT. “I saw the ball coming and knew it was just right for my foot. Scoring early was our plan, and those first two goals really set the tone for us. We were focused on doing what we needed to do.”
Alvarez added another goal just four minutes later, taking advantage of a mistake by goalkeeper Kamil Grabara, who let the ball slip through his hands after Rodri’s shot hit the crossbar.
Former Southampton player Mohamed Elyounoussi managed to pull one back for the Danish team in the 29th minute, but City’s top scorer, Haaland, struck again just before halftime, driving a powerful shot past two defenders for his 29th goal of the season in all competitions.
Rico Lewis had a chance for a fourth City goal late in the game, but his shot hit the crossbar instead.
City will have to wait until March 15th to learn their opponents for the quarter-finals.
“We’re feeling pretty confident right now,” Akanji remarked. “We’re looking forward to the next round. We know we’re considered one of the favorites, but we still have to prove ourselves.”
This marks City’s seventh consecutive season reaching the quarter-finals.
With a crucial match against Liverpool looming in the Premier League, Guardiola made seven changes to the lineup that defeated Manchester United 3-1 in the derby last Sunday, leaving out Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden.
Haaland was substituted late in the game, sharing a hug with 18-year-old substitute Jacob Wright as he left the field.
City currently trail Liverpool by one point and hold a one-point lead over Arsenal after 27 league matches in a closely contested title race.
