Copenhagen held 10-man Manchester City at home on Tuesday, in a frustrating game for the English side which saw Mahrez miss a penalty and Rodri have a goal disallowed.
Riyad Mahrez has been struggling for game time at Manchester City this season with the introduction of Erling Haaland limiting the Algerian’s minutes.
Mahrez was handed his third start in a row for City on Tuesday night however, as the Manchester side travelled to Denmark for what they will have been expecting to be a routine group stage win.
Copenhagen were no rollover however, as the Danish side managed to hold the English Champions to a point at home.
Man City had a goal ruled out by VAR due to a handball.
They were then awarded a penalty following a Copenhagen handball.
Riyad Mahrez stepped up to take the spot kick but it was saved by Kamil Grabara 😅#UCL pic.twitter.com/ngJXabOOPv
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 11, 2022
The night started going wrong for Mahrez and City when the Algerian was adjudged to handle the ball during the build up to Rodri’s goal, which was controversially disallowed by VAR in the first half.
The Spanish midfielder hit a rocket into the top left corner to give City the lead, however the ball appears to brush Mahrez’s hand during the approach which was enough for referee Arthur Dias to disallow the goal.
Mahrez was handed a golden opportunity to redeem himself just minutes later, as the referee went over to the pitch side monitor and gave a penalty to Manchester City for a Copenhagen handball in the box.
The Copenhagen fans made it as hard as possible for the City man to take his spot kick, as the supporters jeered and waved at the 31 year old as he stepped up to strike.
Copenhagen hero, Kamil Grabara! 🧤
Mahrez denied from the spot ❌#UCL pic.twitter.com/NP61pb3xBA
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 11, 2022
The Danish fans may have helped, but it was a huge save from Kamil Grabara in goal that compounded City and Mahrez’s misery, as they were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw with their Danish opposition.
The draw was still enough to see Manchester City become the first side to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League this season, but Guardiola will no doubt be seeking improvement from the likes of Mahrez in the upcoming games before the World Cup.
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