Borussia Dortmund 1-2 Manchester City (2-4 agg.): Player Ratings as second-half comeback propels Pep Guardiola's men into semi-finals | UEFA Champions League 2020-21
Manchester City overcame a feisty Borussia Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion in the UEFA Champions League earlier today an aggregate 4-2 margin to book a place in the semi-finals of Europe's premier competition and keep their fans' hopes of a quadruple alive. Borussia Dortmund put up a commendable fight at the Westfalenstadion but suffered a 2-1 defeat and might not be able to qualify for the competition this year.
Manchester City have now managed to overcome their quarterfinal curse and will face a powerful Paris Saint-Germain outfit in the next round of the competition. Guardiola's charges showed plenty of grit and composure and their impeccable talent served them well against Borussia Dortmund.
Manchester City prove their mettle against Borussia Dortmund
Manchester City predictably dominated the ball in the opening stages of the game but did have a few tense moments against the home side. Borussia Dortmund posed a threat on the counter and Jude Bellingham scored an exceptional goal in the first half-hour to give his side a crucial goal.
The goal kicked Pep Guardiola's side into life as Manchester City began to throw the kitchen sink at Borussia Dortmund. Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne managed to hit the post in the first half but the Germans stood their ground to go into half-time with the advantage.
Borussia Dortmund dropped back into a low block in the second half and Manchester City maintained their stranglehold. The Cityzens were gifted an excellent opportunity after a handball from Emre Can and Riyad Mahrez made no mistake with his penalty.
Manchester City benefitted from a surge of confidence after their equaliser and doubled Borussia Dortmund's misery as Phil Foden smashed home a second goal to give his side a modicum of comfort. Manchester City kept the ball well in the final stages of the game and eased past their opponents with a well-deserved 2-1 victory.
Borussia Dortmund Player Ratings
Marwin Hitz - 6.5/10
Marwin Hitz pulled off a few excellent saves to keep Manchester City at bay in the first half. The Borussia Dortmund shot-stopper cannot be faulted for the penalty but was beaten at his near post by Phil Foden in the second half.
Manuel Akanji - 5.5/10
Manuel Akanji was arguably the weakest link in Borussia Dortmund's defence and had his fair share of problems against Kevin De Bruyne. The centre-back was caught out of position on a few occasions in the second half and was visibly troubled by Manchester City.
Mats Hummels - 6.5/10
Mats Hummels was an important cog in his side's defence in his first half and made important interceptions to keep Manchester City out of the final third. The German veteran did have his problems in the second half but was not at fault for either goal.
Raphael Guerreiro - 6/10
Raphael Guerreiro had to be at his best against Riyad Mahrez and did well to keep the Algerian winger in his wide position on numerous occasions. The Portuguese full-back's defensive role meant that he was unable to push into Manchester City's half for much of the game.
Mateu Morey - 6/10
Mateu Morey had a few problems against Oleksandr Zinchenko but did manage to keep the Manchester City full-back quiet. The Borussia Dortmund man struggled against De Bruyne, however, and was lucky to escape a yellow card.
Emre Can - 4.5/10
Emre Can seemed to be having a good game after a positive first-half but committed yet another error to hand Manchester City a penalty after half-time. The former Liverpool midfielder suffered against compatriot Ilkay Gundogan and was not comfortable on the ball.
Mahmoud Dahoud - 6.5/10
Mahmoud Dahoud was impressive against Manchester City and put in a massive shift in the first half. The tenacious midfielder pulled off a few good runs against the Cityzens and Manchester City scored their second goal only seconds after he was taken off the pitch.
Jude Bellingham - 8/10
Jude Bellingham scored a magnificent opening goal to give Borussia Dortmund a first-half advantage and also had an impact in his own half as he blocked a goal-bound effort from Riyad Mahrez. The young Englishman was his side's best player on the night and was replaced by Julian Brandt towards the end of the second half.
Ansgar Knauff - 6/10
Ansgar Knauff played out an interesting duel with Zinchenko on the left flank and did have his moments against the Manchester City defence. The teenage winger was replaced by Giovanni Reyna in the second half.
Marco Reus - 6.5/10
Marco Reus played his heart out against Manchester City and ventured forward on several occasions in search of an opening. The Borussia Dortmund captain also put in a defensive shift and was unlucky to be on the losing side.
Erling Haaland - 7/10
Erling Haaland was a thorn in Manchester City's side and took John Stones apart for Borussia Dortmund's first goal. The Norwegian striker was unable to fashion a chance in the penalty area, however, and was uncharacteristically quiet in the second half.
Substitutes
Giovanni Reyna - 6/10
Giovanni Reyna came on in place of Asgar Knauff in the second half to inject the game with his creative energy. The American teenager did have a few bright moments but was largely outplayed by Manchester City's midfield.
Thorgan Hazard - 5.5/10
Thorgan Hazard did not see much of the ball in his cameo appearance as Manchester City dominated possession. The Belgian star failed to mark Phil Foden after coming on to the pitch and the away side scored its second goal as a result.
Julian Brandt - 6/10
Julian Brandt replaced the impressive Jude Bellingham against Manchester City and struggled to get on the ball against Pep Guardiola's side.
Steffen Tigges - 6/10
Steffen Tigges was a late substitute for Mateu Morey and was unable to have much of an impact on the game.
Manchester City Player Ratings
Ederson Moraes - 6/10
Manchester City shot-stopper Ederson could have done more to stop Bellingham's shot and was able to get only a palm to the ball. The Brazilian was a mere bystander in the second half as his side dominated possession against Borussia Dortmund.
Ruben Dias - 7/10
Ruben Dias did well against Marco Reus and Erling Haaland and was one of Manchester City's better defenders on the night. The Portuguese centre-back put in a composed performance and remains one of his side's most important players.
John Stones - 6/10
John Stones was well below his best against Borussia Dortmund and was largely at fault for the Germans' first-half goal. The English defender learnt his lessons and was able to keep Haaland's movements in check in the second half.
Kyle Walker - 6/10
Kyle Walker was a robust presence in his own half and was disciplined with his movement and passing. The pacy full-back offered very little in the final third, however, and will have to work on his final product.
Oleksandr Zinchenko - 6/10
Oleksandr Zinchenko misplaced a few passes in the first half but held his own against Borussia Dortmund. The Manchester City full-back did manage a few crosses after half-time and troubled Marwin Hitz with his efforts.
Rodri - 6.5/10
Rodri was Manchester City's midfield orchestrator and was the driving force behind their positional dominance against Borussia Dortmund. The Spaniard did not put a foot wrong with his passing and had a positive outing.
Ilkay Gundogan - 7/10
Ilkay Gundogan's resurgence under Pep Guardiola this season continues to reach new heights and the German midfielder was at his imperious best against his former team on the night.
Kevin De Bruyne - 8/10
Kevin De Bruyne was Manchester City's best player in the first half and struck the post with a brilliant effort before the half-hour mark. De Bruyne tormented Borussia Dortmund with his runs and passes throughout the game and was unlucky not to get a goal to show for his efforts.
Bernardo Silva - 6.5/10
Bernardo Silva had a relatively quiet game and was unable to pose a direct threat to Borussia Dortmund's goal. Manchester City's false nine was an important part of the build-up, however, and was rarely dispossessed.
Phil Foden - 7.5/10
Phil Foden scored yet another important goal for Manchester City and stunned Borussia Dortmund with a powerful shot to deflate their optimism. The young prodigy did have his problems against Borussia Dortmund's press but improved towards the end of the game.
Riyad Mahrez - 7.5/10
Riyad Mahrez had a relatively quiet start to the game but his dribbles became more pronounced after Manchester City fell behind in the tie. The Algerian forced a few saves from Marwin Hitz before slotting in a brilliant penalty to hand his side a crucial lead.
Substitutes
Raheem Sterling - 5.5/10
Raheem Sterling was the only substitute used by Pep Guardiola against Borussia Dortmund and replaced Riyad Mahrez in the second half. The English winger fashioned an excellent opportunity for himself but his lack of composure cost him an important goal.
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Aditya Hosangadi