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Manchester City eked out a narrow 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their 2020-21 Champions League quarter-final clash.
The hosts began the game on the front foot and dominated possession, but Borussia Dortmund seemed more than willing to allow Manchester City time on the ball.
Manchester City took the lead less than 20 minutes into the game when Emre Can carelessly conceded possession in midfield. That allowed Pep Guardiola's men to break before Kevin De Bruyne converted from close range.
There was controversy in the first half when referee Ovidiu Hategan awarded a penalty to Manchester City for Can's foul on Rodri. However, VAR correctly overturned the decision, but Can's booking was not reversed.
Towards the end of the first half, English teenager Jude Bellingham robbed Ederson of the ball just outside the area and was through on goal with the net gaping.
The match official blew his whistle for a foul by the Englishman on Ederson. Replays, though, showed that it was a clean dispossession. But the referee's bizarre decision not to let Bellingham score first and then consult with his VAR for any foul left Borussia Dortmund berated.
The second half saw a drop in intensity from both sides. With Manchester City failing to build on their advantage, Borussia Dortmund restored parity five minutes from time, courtesy an effort from the visiting captain Marco Reus..
However, stung by the goal, Manchester City broke out of their stupor and reasserted their ascendancy. A sublime ball behind the Borussia Dortmund defence from De Bruyne saw Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden in space. The German squared the ball to Foden to score the winner.
A deserved win for Manchester City sees them head into the second leg with a first-leg lead. But Borussia Dortmund would fancy their chances of turning around the tie at home, thanks to their crucial away goal.
On that note, let's take a look at five hits and flops from either team.
Hit: Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
Joao Cancelo has come to life for Manchester City this campaign. He has easily been Pep Guardiola's first-choice full-back on either flank.
Against Borussia Dortmund, the former Juventus man was played on the left side of defence, where he once again showed why he is so highly rated. Cancelo registered the most touches and passes on the night as he thrived as a key attacking outlet.
Cancelo was marauding down the flanks, easily scampering past Borussia Dortmund players while also being dutiful defensively.
Flop: Emre Can (Borussia Dortmund)
The former Liverpool man was at fault for the first goal of the game, as he carelessly gave the ball away to Riyad Mahrez under absolutely no pressure. Manchester City capitalised on Can's sloppiness, quickly broke through on goal and scored the opener.
A few minutes later, the German was adjudged to have given away a penalty after a high boot on Rodri. The decision was overturned on review, but the incident pretty much summarised Can's performance for large spells of the game: overzealous and erratic.
Hit: Phil Foden (Manchester City)
The Manchester City youngster has had a very impressive campaign so far. He showed why he is one of Pep Guardiola's most trusted players. Foden was easily one of the best performers on the night.
After a quiet first half, Foden came alive in the second, at the hapless Mateu Morey.
With Cancelo offering additional width and sometimes depth on the right flank, the duo gave the young Morey a night to forget, as the latter was subbed off for the final ten minutes of the game.
Phil Foden came close to scoring in the second half but could only hit his shot straight at Hitz. The Englishman kept plugging away till he finally got the goal he deserved, a late winner that saw Manchester City take the win.
Flop: Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)
Erling Haaland drew a rare blank on a Champions League night. The young striker was uncharacteristically lacklustre in front of goal and failed to score against Manchester City after netting in six successive games in the competition.
The Norwegian was largely kept in check by the inspired Manchester City duo of John Stones and Ruben Dias.
Haaland managed just one shot all game. Although he provided the assist for Marco Reus' equaliser, his recent dip in form should come as a worry for Borussia Dortmund.
Hit: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
It was yet another masterclass from the mercurial Kevin De Bruyne. Manchester City' captain on the night was full of energy as he drove his side forward.
De Bruyne opened the scoring after carrying the ball from the halfway line and playing in Foden. The Englishman drilled the ball into the box for Mahrez, who squared for De Bruyne to finish with aplomb.
He created three chances on the night, the second-most for his side, as well as completing all his long passes. A floated ball in for Gundogan that led to Manchester City's winner was particularly sublime.
With Kevin De Bruyne in such inspired form, Manchester City will fancy their chances of going all the way in the competition this year.
