Dortmund 0-0 Man City: Guardiola’s men held to draw but still secure top spot in Group G

Mancity

Following a dull goalless draw on Tuesday night, Man City and Borussia Dortmund are both moving on to the next round of the Champions League.

After the break, City came the closest to scoring, but Riyad Mahrez's penalty was saved. They remain unblemished thanks to this draw, and they are guaranteed to finish first in Group G.

In the first half, Dortmund had opportunities to take the lead, and in the second half, they were determined to retain their clean sheet. They have also advanced to the round of 16 players.

Stefan Ortega, a goalkeeper, made his club debut under Guardiola, and England defender John Stones, who had been out with a hamstring injury for seven games, made his comeback.

 

In addition to Phil Foden, Nathan Ake, Ilkay Gundogan, Julian Alvarez, and Phil Foden, who were all rested, Ederson, Kevin de Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, Manuel Akanji, and Aymeric Laporte were also back in the starting lineup.

The opening exchanges lacked any genuine speed because Dortmund could advance with a point and Man City had already secured their spot in the knockout round.

Karim Adeyemi kept on side to run through on goal in the 16th minute, and City goalkeeper Ortega made his first stop with his legs.

 

As Dortmund started to press City's back four, Adeyemi played a key role once more. He initially found Giovanni Reyna on the left edge of the area after a smooth move, but the latter's curling attempt was brilliantly stopped by Ortega.

 

Youssoufa Moukoko received a beautiful low cross from Germany's forward Adeyemi, who then let the ball drift across him before sidefooting wide.

Teenage striker Moukoko once more teamed up with Adeyemi, forcing Ortega to make another save.

Despite having 66% of the ball in the first half, City failed to test Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, with Nathan Ake's powerful header from a Phil Foden free-kick that came just before halftime soaring over the crossbar.

 

Erling Haaland had little chance to make a difference against his previous team and was replaced by Bernardo Silva at halftime, with Joao Cancelo being replaced by Manuel Akanji.

After the break, Dortmund were the first to pose a threat as Jude Bellingham's attempt inside the box missed the target. City then missed an opportunity to grab the lead after being awarded a penalty in the 57th minute.

Mahrez was knocked to the ground by Emre Can's careless challenge, but Kobel easily stopped the City winger's ensuing penalty kick, much to the pleasure of the home crowd.

As Alvarez's first-time volley was expertly saved by Kobel, City continued to control the ball and started to pose a bigger threat.

However, as the score was sufficient to advance both teams, there was no urgency in the final minutes, and neither team produced any additional chances.