What does Manchester City need to do in the 2nd leg to advance in the UEFA Champions League?

Pep Guardiola will be happy after his side's dominant display away from home last night. The Citizens moved one step closer but still the question remains, What does Manchester City need to do in the 2nd leg to advance in the UEFA Champions League?

Well, let's answer that question...

What does Manchester City need to do in the 2nd leg to advance in the UEFA Champions League?

Last night, Manchester City won the 1st leg in the UEFA Champions League against Copenhagen. Away from home, they scored on three occasions and conceded only once, making the final score of the 1st leg Copenhagen 1-3 Manchester City.

It was a dominant display from the champions of the competition. Although Copenhagen levelled the game in the first-half, they weren't in it for long, as Bernardo Silva added to Kevin De Bruyne's opener, before Phil Foden scored an impressive goal in added time to secure a two-goal advantage for City.

In the past, those three away goals would have been relevant. However, since the 2021/22 campaign, UEFA Champions League and other UEFA competitions have disregarded the away goal rule. Away goals prove insignificant in the group stage AND the knockout stages.

In essence, a 2nd leg win would secure Manchester City's place in the next stage of the UEFA Champions League. However, let's take a more in-depth look at all the possible outcomes of the 2nd leg...

Potential outcomes for Manchester City vs Copenhagen in the 2nd leg

If Manchester City WIN the 2nd leg by ANY scoreline, Manchester City will progress to the quarter final of the UEFA Champions League, while Copenhagen will be eliminated.

If Manchester City DRAW the 2nd leg by ANY scoreline, Manchester City will progress to the quarter final of the UEFA Champions League, while Copenhagen will be eliminated.

If Manchester City LOSE the 2nd leg by a ONE-GOAL margin, Manchester City will progress to the quarter final of the UEFA Champions League, while Copenhagen will be eliminated.

If Manchester City LOSE the 2nd leg by a TWO-GOAL margin, two additional rounds of 15 minutes each will be played, serving as extra time. If the scoreline remains the same in extra time, then there will be a penalty shootout to decide who goes through.

If Manchester City LOSE the 2nd leg by a THREE-GOAL margin or more, Copenhagen will progress to the quarter final of the UEFA Champions League, while Manchester City will be eliminated.

What's your score prediction for the 2nd leg between Manchester City vs Copenhagen?