Pep Guardiola says he was under no illusions as to how tricky Tuesday night’s Champions League trip to FC Copenhagen would be.

Man City were 3-1 winners in the Danish capital thanks to goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden. That means they have a two-goal advantage for next month’s return leg at the Etihad Stadium and have set an English record of nine straight victories in the Champions League.

Having seen Copenhagen come through a group including Bayern Munich, Galatasaray and Manchester United, Guardiola believes his side’s victory should not be underestimated.

“I know how difficult it is,” he said, adding: “When people think it is easy, that makes it easy but it is not. Ask Bayern Munich and Galatasaray and Manchester United how hard it is.

“They are a really tough opponent. We played really good. My job is to warn the players and tell them the attributes we will need and they proved it and felt it. We behaved with the correct personality and patience and everyone was at top, top level.

“You don’t make this level in last-16 without it. Hopefully we can make the next step and go to the quarter-finals.”

After Bernardo’s deft finish just before half-time it looked for much of the second period like there would just be a one goal difference between the sides.

However, Foden’s late one-two with De Bruyne and powerful hit sealed a third on the night and some breathing room for the return fixture in three weeks.