Manchester City delivered a dominant performance against Borussia Dortmund, securing a 4-1 victory in the UEFA Champions League, with Phil Foden scoring a brace and Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki also finding the net to propel City up the table.
Manchester City showcased their attacking prowess in the UEFA Champions League, delivering a commanding 4-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
Despite a slightly disjointed start, Pep Guardiola’s side quickly found their rhythm, netting four impressive goals to secure their third win in four league phase games. The victory saw City climb to fourth in the league table.
Manchester City Player Ratings
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 7.5/10
Though he will be frustrated to have conceded, marking a third game without a clean sheet, the goalkeeper was faultless for the close-range goal and produced two solid saves earlier in the match. His superb sweeping action late on denied Dortmund a further consolation goal.
Matheus Nunes – 7.5/10
The full-back delivered another energetic and physically strong performance. Crucially, he maintained high concentration levels, a significant improvement compared to some of his prior outings at the Etihad, proving his utility on the right side.
John Stones – 7.5/10
Stones orchestrated play effectively from the back, distributing the ball well and commanding the players ahead of him. His defensive workload was light, but he produced an important block when Dortmund briefly pressed after their goal at 3-1.
Josko Gvardiol – 7/10
The defender was shaky with some of his early passing, leading to a few turnovers. However, he was strong in his primary duty, completing excellent sweeping work to cover spaces behind the defence.
Nico O’Reilly – 7.5/10
O’Reilly excelled when in possession, demonstrating strong forward driving runs and linking up brilliantly with Jeremy Doku on the flank. He was occasionally tested defensively when Dortmund focused attacks down his side.
Nico – 8/10
He continued his development into a top-tier defensive midfielder. His tactical decision-making, particularly his use of pausa (knowing exactly when to hold the ball to draw in opponents before releasing a perfect pass), was instrumental in controlling the game.
Tijjani Reijnders – 8/10
Reijnders was a neat link-up player who was heavily involved in the first-half attacking moves, recording an assist in both halves. His influence did diminish slightly as the game progressed in the second period.
Phil Foden – 9/10 (Player of the Match)
Foden earned this high score with a superb performance deep in midfield, where he dominated possession and proceedings. He delivered destructive attacking damage, scoring an exquisite pair of finishes, including his first-ever Champions League brace.
Savinho – 7/10
It was a game of two halves for Savinho. He struggled initially but became a key outlet when City switched their focus to his flank, thriving on one-on-one chances against his marker.
Erling Haaland – 8/10
City’s captain didn’t receive an abundance of opportunities against his former club, but he ruthlessly converted the one clear chance he got for his fifth Champions League goal of the season. He also excelled in holding up the ball and connecting with teammates.
Jeremy Doku – 8/10
Doku was electrifying and virtually uncontainable, assisting Haaland’s goal with his characteristic pace and cutback. He was a major factor in City’s dangerous attacking play, particularly down the flank.
Substitutes:
Ruben Dias – 7/10
Introduced later in the game, the Portuguese defender made several timely clearances from the penalty area to relieve pressure.
Bernardo Silva – 7/10
Silva helped control the tempo, making necessary tackles and holding onto the ball well to ensure City saw out the victory comfortably.
Rayan Cherki – 7/10
The substitute produced some stylish touches and rounded off the scoring with a nice goal, carrying the ball into the box and firing home via a deflection for his first UCL strike.