Manchester City overpower Borussia Dortmund 4-1 as Foden and Haaland impress

Post by : Mina Rahman

Manchester City recorded a commanding 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium, moving to 10 points from four Champions League group matches while Dortmund dropped to 14th with seven points.

City dictated play from the outset. Phil Foden broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, converting a precise pass from Tijjani Reijnders. Seven minutes later Erling Haaland — now on 27 goals in 17 appearances for club and country — doubled the lead after a class assist from Jeremy Doku.

Foden added his second in the 57th minute with a curling effort, registering his first two-goal display in the Champions League. "Pleasure to see goals coming from others as well," Guardiola remarked. "Phil was outstanding."

Dortmund reduced the deficit when Waldemar Anton converted a free kick in the 72nd minute, sparking celebrations among their travelling supporters. City, however, made the result secure with an injury-time strike from Rayan Cherki.

On the numbers, City outshot Dortmund with nine attempts on target to one, controlling tempo and using wide areas through Doku and Savinho. Savinho came close to a spectacular volley in the second half.

Dortmund coach Niko Kovac conceded City were superior: "They produced a very clean style of football and deserved the win," he said.

Haaland extended his Champions League scoring run to five consecutive games, becoming the first player to net in five straight matches for three different clubs — Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund and Red Bull Salzburg.

Reflecting on Haaland's influence, Doku added: "He may have scored once today, but his contribution goes far beyond goals and assists; he's vital to the team."