De Bruyne warns best still to come after Copenhagen cruise

Kevin De Bruyne insists he is still some way off his best level despite orchestrating Manchester City's comfortable 3-1 Champions League win at FC Copenhagen.

City entered their last-16 tie as hot favourites to progress and will take a two-goal advantage back to the Etihad for the second leg after a dominant display in the Danish capital.

De Bruyne got the ball rolling when drilling home Phil Foden's pass early on and despite Magnus Mattsson smartly seizing upon a rare Ederson error to level proceedings, the brilliant Belgian had the last laugh.

His killer passes at the end of each half allowed Bernardo Silva and Foden to convert — yet the 32-year-old insists he is still shaking off the cobwebs following his spell on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.

De Bruyne said: "I'm just trying to play good. It's been a long five or six months but I'm just happy to be back, helping the team win games and trying to be at my best.

"I feel alright. Obviously, I still need a couple more games and minutes. 

"I've not played 90 minutes for almost a year but I'm getting there, I'm feeling good and the level is good enough for the moment — so I'm happy."

City boss Pep Guardiola was full of praise for his No17, who has also assisted in all four of his Premier League appearances since returning from a five month lay-off.

Guardiola said: "The first goal was amazing — the right pass and tempo from Phil Foden, too. 

"The biggest players appear on the biggest stages. It's the hour of truth. 

"We started well. We have to do our job and finish it. I'm just really pleased with the result."

Guardiola was unnerved by the nature of Copenhagen's goal, choosing instead to praise his side for extending their advantage late on.

He added: "The game was really well played from the first minute. We conceded a goal but sometimes that happens. 

"The third goal helped us a lot. Hopefully we can finish it off at home and go to the next game."

City have five games to negotiate before the second leg, which will take place on Wednesday, March 6.