Defending English Premier League giant Manchester City drew goalless against German club Borussia Dortmund.
Having qualified for the following stages, Manchester City only needed one point to secure top of the group stage. Meanwhile, Dortmund needed a point to secure their place in the round of 16.
Manchester City started with a 4-4-2 formation. Stefan Ortega started under the City goal. John Stones, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and Joao Cancelo formed the defense. Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan started at the base of midfield while Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez started on the wings. Julian Alverez teamed up with Erling Haaland above.
Borussia Dortmund deployed a 4-5-1 setup. Gregor Kobel started under the bar. Niklas Sule, Mats Hummels, Nico Schlotterbeck and Thorgen Hazard played in the back four. Jude Bellingham, Emer Can and Julian Brandt operated in the middle of the park while Karim Adeyami and Giovanni Reina operated on the wings. Youssoufa Moukoko played as a striker
Manchester City winger misses penalty
The German team, Borussia Dortmund, had a great start to the game. He got his first chance of the match when Joao Cancelo fouled Adeyemi in a very dangerous position, giving the hosts a free kick opportunity. However, Julian Brandt’s effort did not worry Ortega.
Dortmund continued to put pressure on Manchester City’s defence, but the German team’s poor finishing didn’t help. Manchester City got their first chance of the game when Nathan Ake found Foden’s free kick. But the former Dortmund defender failed to keep his header on goal.
The first half ended 0-0 but Dortmund were clearly the dominant team. City then got off to a good start in the second half and put pressure on the Dortmund defence.
Massive pressure from City translated into a golden opportunity when Riyad Mahrez was fouled in the box. However, Mahrez’s shot from the penalty spot was saved by Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
Shortly after, Kobel was friendly again when Argentine striker Julián Álvarez unleashed a brilliant right hand. The Swiss goalkeeper stopped Alavarez’s shot just outside the goal and then picked up the rebound as well.
Both teams chased a winner in the late game, but neither team was successful in creating any good chances. The match ended with a score of 0-0.
With this draw, Borussia Dortmund qualifies for the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. They have 8 points in five games and will remain in second position.
Meanwhile, Manchester City have secured their place at the top of Group G with eleven points from five games.
