The final blow was a relief for the whole team and the tired but happy Jude Bellingham sank into the pitch, and a curtain of emotion blared in front of the yellow wall. At least it makes sense for Borussia Dortmund. A mature and ambitious performance secured a spot in the round of 16. If they had stayed calmer and made it to the final third, they could have picked up the three points.
It had nothing to do with the fact that the opponent nearly jumped into the game. Manchester won. It seems that if the team really demands something, they will find a way out to get it.
The changes of goalkeeper
Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega was a good and reliable substitute for Ederson. Man City’s goalkeeper is not good enough to win the match. Julian Alvarez could be an effective plan B if Erling Haaland gets injured or has to rest. Alvarez switched to central defender when Haaland left the field in the first half, and although goals were barely visible, his sharpness and intellectual connections gradually dominated the game.
The stakes aren’t the highest, but the air is frenetic and violent. The fans cheer on every tackle, shout that Man City has owned the ball for so long, and warmly welcome the stars back to Haaland.
The turning point
Interestingly, Manchester City appeared to pick up the pace since Haaland left the pitch. The first half of the play didn’t go well, with Dortmund threatening on goal and Youssoufa Moukko creating two excellent chances. In lots of ways, this is Dortmund’s pain point of the season. And it looked like the familiar scenario was about to begin: Mahrez dropped his shoulder, stepped up and took the penalty, happy with himself after committing an obvious foul on Emre Kane. But Mahrez’s shot from 12 yards was a unique psychological spectacle, knocked down by Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor his corbel.
But just as Dortmund began to feel that tonight may be their victory night. In a way, this confused dominance was a striking display, as City claimed that they actually missed a penalty and pretended there was none. John Stones moved into midfield and started leading the game. And after that turning point, the game changed drastically. The Manchester was victorious
