Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola was ecstatic with his side's performance as they defeated FC Copenhagen 3-1 in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie on Tuesday, with Kevin De Bruyne once again stealing the limelight for the English champions.
De Bruyne bagged the opener and played a part in the other goals as well as City clinched victory at a venue where rivals Manchester United suffered a 4-3 loss in the group stage.
"The biggest players appear on the biggest stages, it's the hour of truth in the last 16 of the Champions League," Guardiola said of the Belgian's efforts on TNT Sports.
"The way we played today was perfect — be patient in the right moment, they are so tight, well-organised. I'm really proud of the team again. It's not done, the third goal helped us a lot and hopefully we can finish at home."
For majority of the second half it looked like City would be taking home a slender one-goal lead but Phil Foden's stoppage-time strike made it 3-1 to give them a two-goal advantage.
"It was important not to lose the qualification here. The game was really well played from minute one. We conceded a goal, avoidable but sometimes it happens... but in general we concede really, really few," Guardiola said.
The coach also opened up about winger Jack Grealish, who had to be substituted in the first half after picking up a groin injury.
"It's a pity because in these types of games we need this type of tempo, the control. Bernardo (Silva) and Jack help us a lot to make an extra pass in the attack," Guardiola said.
"It was a pity but it is what it is."