Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez missed a penalty in the Premier League side’s Champions League clash with Copenhagen before Sergio Gomez got sent off.
The stalemate still all but guaranteed City’s place in the last 16 of the Champions League for another year – but it was not a night that will live long in the memory.
Manchester City had a few chances and Rodri had a wonderful goal disallowed for handball in the build-up. The Spain midfielder was left with his head in his hands after his sensational first-half strike was struck off following a VAR review.
Manchester were given a chance to take the lead minutes later from the penalty spot. However, Riyad Mahrez saw his spot-kick saved as the match stays at 0-0.
After seeing Rodri’s wonder strike ruled out by VAR, Manchester City are awarded a penalty… but it’s saved!
📺 Watch: @RTE2 and @RTEplayer https://t.co/2W5kFtUgZE #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/6tNBvRhj75
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 11, 2022
Penalty SAVED! 🛑
Kamil Grabara denies Riyad Mahrez 😱 pic.twitter.com/Ie74sx3WAI
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 11, 2022
Seven minutes later, Man City were reduced to 10 men as left-back Sergio Gomez was sent off for fouling as the last man.
Replays suggested Copenhagen might even have had a case for a penalty but they had to settle for a free-kick on the edge of the area, which came to nothing.
It’s all happening now in Copenhagen as Manchester City are reduced to 10 men – Sergio Gomez is shown a straight red card after a VAR check
📺 Watch: @RTE2 and @RTEplayer https://t.co/2W5kFtUgZE pic.twitter.com/2eoKKbc57Q
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 11, 2022
Forced to play with 10 men for an hour, City manager Pep Guardiola decided to sacrifice Mahrez to send on an extra defender in Ruben Dias. The visitors unusually lacked cohesion and, spurred on by a vociferous home crowd, Haraldsson shot narrowly wide.
City started the second half stronger with Kevin De Bruyne forcing Grabara to make a good save but Copenhagen continued to frustrate them.
The hosts enjoyed some good possession and Isak Johannesson was close to turning in a dangerous low ball across the box.
The game fell flat and there was a shortage of goalmouth action until Joao Cancelo tested Grabara from distance late on.
The introduction of Phil Foden could not spark City and the game petered out.
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