Man City defender Akanji: Early goal deflated Copenhagen

Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji was impressed with the team's professionalism.

City were 3-1 up from the away leg in Denmark in their Champions League round of 16 clash.

However, they put in a great showing at home on Wednesday to beat FC Copenhagen 3-1 again.

Akanji, who was Man of the Match, said about his goal: I saw the ball coming perfectly for my foot, I tried to hit it and it went in. I was really happy about it.

I never thought I would receive an award like this [Player of the Match] but it's a good feeling to have one at home. My sons will like it for sure.

The first two goals we scored in the first half made it easier for us because we were up four goals," he added.

So it was pretty hard for them to come back.

We had a little phase where we didn't play well, then we came out in the second half and we tried to do our best. We did what we had to do today.

It helps a lot [two quick goals]. For Copenhagen to come here after losing the first game, it's pretty hard for them to come back from this.

That was our goal, to score early because as long as it stayed 0-0 they had hope to come back. We did what we had to do."