Manchester City 2-1 Borussia Dortmund: Talking points from Champions League defeat

Marco Reus gives reason for optimism

It was not all negative for Borussia Dortmund, as Marco Reus’ 84th minute equaliser gave them a massive away goal. Even though City still scored the winner after, a 2-1 defeat is far better than a 1-0.

The move for the goal was simply brilliant. Jude Bellingham picked up the ball in midfield, froze Rodri with a body feint and found Erling Haaland with his back to goal. Haaland flicked it onto Reus, who had made a great run off the ball and the captain was able to beat Ederson with a composed finish. It was a landmark goal for Reus, making him Borussia Dortmund’s all time leading scorer in the UEFA Champions League. It was also a good time for him to end his goal drought, both in all competitions this season and in the Champions League.

While keeping a clean sheet is very difficult against this City side, if Borussia Dortmund can earn a 1-0 win next week, they will advance to the semi-finals. It is no guarantee, but leaving the Etihad with the tie still in the balance is far from the worst-case scenario given the difference in recent form and momentum the two sides have had.

Jadon Sancho may be back (albeit unlikely), Reus is back among the goals and City will have the tall order of having to keep Erling Haaland off the scoresheet again. This was Haaland’s first Champions League appearance of the season without a goal, and he’ll be eager to make right on that next week.