Mansion Sports – Manchester City delivered a commanding performance at the Etihad Stadium, securing a dominant 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 league phase.

Phil Foden stole the spotlight with two stunning long-range goals, while Erling Haaland continued his prolific scoring form by netting against his former club. 

Rayan Cherki added a late strike to seal the win, whereas Dortmund’s sole response came through Waldemar Anton.

First Half: Foden and Haaland Fire City Ahead Early

From the opening whistle, Manchester City asserted complete control of the match. Their relentless pressure paid off in the 22nd minute when Tijjani Reijnders threaded a precise pass into the path of Phil Foden, who was unmarked at the edge of the box. 

With one deft touch, the English midfielder unleashed a powerful strike that flew past Gregor Kobel, giving City an early 1-0 lead.

Just seven minutes later, the hosts doubled their advantage. Jeremy Doku, operating from the left flank, delivered a low cross into the area that was expertly finished by Erling Haaland with his trademark composure. 

The goal marked Haaland’s 27th of the season across all competitions, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most lethal forwards in Europe.

Borussia Dortmund attempted to respond but struggled to create clear-cut chances against City’s organized defense. 

Instead, their goalkeeper Gregor Kobel emerged as the busiest player on the pitch, pulling off several crucial saves. 

His most notable stop came in the 34th minute, when he managed to parry away a curling effort from Reijnders that was destined for the top corner. The first half ended with Manchester City comfortably ahead 2-0.

Second Half: Foden and Cherki Complete City’s Dominant Display

City’s dominance continued into the second half, and in the 57th minute, Phil Foden once again found the back of the net. 

Receiving a short pass from Reijnders, he fired a precise left-footed shot that nestled into the bottom-left corner, leaving Kobel rooted to the spot. The goal extended City’s lead to 3-0 and highlighted their clinical efficiency in the final third.

Dortmund eventually pulled one back in the 72nd minute through Waldemar Anton, who capitalized on a cross from Julian Ryerson to slot the ball into the bottom-right corner past Ederson. Despite the goal, it did little to shift the momentum as City continued to dictate play.

As the match entered stoppage time, Rayan Cherki put the finishing touch on an emphatic performance. 

Exploiting space left in Dortmund’s defensive line, the young Frenchman calmly converted his chance in the 91st minute, sealing a convincing 4-1 victory for the Premier League champions at home.

Match Statistics: Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund

Manchester City’s balanced performance—combining efficient attacking play and tactical precision—proved decisive, while Borussia Dortmund struggled to contain the hosts’ fluid movement and relentless offensive rhythm throughout the encounter.