FC Copenhagen 0-0 City: Stats of the Match | OneFootball

Though City booked a place in the Round of 16 with a 0-0 draw against FC Copenhagen, it was a game dominated by three borderline VAR decisions in the first 30 minutes.

VAR remains ‘Marmite’ technology – you either love it or loathe it – but it is undoubtedly here to stay.

Rodrigo’s sublime 25-yard rocket flew into the top left hand corner of the Copenhagen net, only for it to be ruled out for brushing Riyad Mahrez’s hand.

Did that help the trajectory of the ball or benefit City? Of course not.

Then there was the penalty City were awarded – harsh on the Danes would be an understatement – but Mahrez will be extremely disappointed to have seen his spot-kick saved.

On another day, that would have seen the Blues a couple of goals to the good before half-time.

Then there was Sergio Gomez’s dismissal.

To most watching the game, the referee’s decision to wave away Copenhagen claims that Gomez had fouled Hakon Haraldsson was correct, but yet again VAR stepped in and once the decision to award an infringement had occurred, Gomez’s evening was over.

That said, a resilient City still largely dominated the game and the 0-0 draw secured passage to the next phase of the competition with two games to spare.

Here are some of the game’s stats.

Dominant Akanji

Yet again, Manuel Akanji showed what a top defender he is with another assured performance.

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Out heat map shows where the Swiss international spent his 90 minutes, with another seamless switch to right-back following Gomez’s dismissal.

He was even involved in winning a penalty at the other end of the pitch as he further enhanced his growing reputation among City fans in the Danish capital.

WATCH: Laporte proud of ten-man City's display in Copenhagen

Rodrigo’s turf

Our Spanish anchor’s heat map illustrates his positional discipline and involvement throughout the game.

It’s hard not to mention that wonderful goal that was chalked off, but his ability to strike sweetly from distance is something he certainly has in his locker.

But the below shows just how integral he is to everything City do, and the reason why he is one of the best in the world at underpinning a midfield three.

Paying the penalty?

Riyad Mahrez has been mostly reliable from the penalty spot over the past couple of seasons, but will be disappointed with his effort against Copenhagen.

The old cliché that 'it was at a nice height' for the keeper is probably true, with the Algerian generally tucking the ball higher with more power.

That said, Kamil Grabara has had two excellent games against City and looks a real talent.

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Overall

City edged most of the important stats in the game apart from goals scored.

It was 59% to 41% possession in City's favour - impressive given we played two thirds with 10 men.

The Blues also recorded 14 shots on the night compared to the Danes' six - four being on target for City and one for Copenhagen.

The corner count was also 8-4 for City, one of which led to a penalty.

All in all, a solid performance that preserves our unbeaten record in league and cup this campaign.