Key Takeaways:
- Manchester City secured a 4:1 victory over Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad in the Champions League main phase fourth round
- Phil Foden scored twice (22’, 57’), with additional goals from Erling Haaland (29’) and Rayan Cherki, as Waldemar Anton netted Dortmund’s only goal (72’)
- This marked City’s sixth win in seven games across all competitions, while Dortmund suffered their first defeat in five matches
Match Overview
Manchester City delivered a commanding 4:1 win against Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium in their fourth outing of the main phase in the Champions League. This result represents City’s third victory in the group, complemented by one draw, while it handed Dortmund their first loss of the campaign, leaving the German side with 7 points. The victory further bolsters City’s momentum as they prepare to face Liverpool on Sunday in a high-profile domestic clash.
Another three points on the board! 🙌
🩵 4-1 🟡 pic.twitter.com/4lzDTzk6dk
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 5, 2025
First-Half Performance and Early Goals
The hosts started energetically and registered their intent with two early efforts on target. Phil Foden provided the breakthrough in the 22nd minute, finishing clinically after receiving a pass from Tijjani Reijnders. The advantage was swiftly extended in the 29th minute, as Erling Haaland found the net courtesy of an assist by Jeremy Doku. Dortmund struggled to respond, managing their first shot on target in the 39th minute when Karim Adeyemi’s effort was denied by Donnarumma.
Line-ups and Tactical Notes
Savinho, Foden, and Doku operated in advanced roles behind centre-forward and captain Erling Haaland for Manchester City, while key players such as Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias started from the substitutes’ bench. Dortmund’s attack was led by Serhou Guirassy, who had previously recorded 11 goals and 4 assists in 18 appearances since the season’s beginning.
| Scorer | Minute | Team | Assist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Foden | 22 | Manchester City | Tijjani Reijnders |
| Erling Haaland | 29 | Manchester City | Jeremy Doku |
| Phil Foden | 57 | Manchester City | Tijjani Reijnders |
| Waldemar Anton | 72 | Borussia Dortmund | Ryerson |
| Rayan Cherki | 90+ | Manchester City | – |
Second-Half Events and Substitutions
Despite being outplayed in the opening period, Borussia Dortmund opted not to make any adjustments at the break. Their situation worsened in the 57th minute, as Foden struck again with a goal resembling his first to extend City’s lead to 3:0. Attempting to reverse the momentum, Niko Kovac introduced four substitutes in the 66th minute, which brought a quick reward when Waldemar Anton scored six minutes later, following good work from Ryerson. However, Dortmund were unable to mount a meaningful comeback, and substitute Rayan Cherki sealed the result for City in stoppage time with the final goal.
Statistical Summary
Manchester City dominated proceedings, registering 10 shots on target and controlling the tempo, particularly in the first half. This comprehensive win enhances City’s confidence in all competitions, marking their sixth triumph in the last seven fixtures and setting the scene for their highly anticipated encounter with Liverpool.
