Borussia Dortmund are through to the Champions League knockout stages after securing a 0-0 draw against Manchester City, securing the single point that they needed following Sevilla’s win against Copenhagen. In truth, BVB will probably be disappointed not to have won after causing City’s defence a headache.
Both Karim Adeyemi and Youssoufa Moukoko were excellent in the first-half and a little more composure, Borussia Dortmund could have been 2-0 or 3-0 up at the break. Still, over 180 minutes BVB were excellent against Manchester City. The important thing was qualifying for the knockout stages, and they did just that.
Gregor Kobel, 7 – Rarely tested but made an excellent save to deny Riyad Mahrez from the spot.
Niklas Süle, 6 – Nothing flashy from Süle, did his job at right-back in Thomas Meunier’s absence.
Mats Hummels, 8 – Arguably Germany’s best central-defender at the moment and Hansi Flick will certainly be watching the 33-year-old closely. Monstrous tonight. Denied Erling Haaland twice in the first half, won his duels and was dominant throughout. Incredible performance.
Nico Schlotterbeck, 6 – Always feels like there’s a mistake but composed under pressure tonight.
Thorgan Hazard, 6 – Played out of position but was excellent.
Emre Can, 7 – Probably Can’s best performance this season. Has come in for some criticism and although excellent alongside Jude Bellingham on the night, a lapse in concentration almost lost BVB the game. His clumsy challenge brought down Riyad Mahrez, but Gregor Kobel saved the following penalty.
Jude Bellingham, 6 – Always wanted the ball but not as composed as we’re used to seeing from Jude Bellingham in the final third. Always loud on the pitch. Incredibly mature for his age.
Karim Adeyemi, 8 – The 20-year-old’s best performance in a Borussia Dortmund top since his move from RB Salzburg in the summer. Caused Joao Cancelo problems in the first-half and Nathan Aké in the second. Showcased his explosive pace but lacked composure in front of goal. Proved troublesome all evening.
Julian Brandt, 5 – Always looked to create in the final third but it didn’t quite work.
Gio Reyna, 6 – There’s not a player like the American in this squad. When fully match fit, can provide problems for opposing defences. Linked up well with Youssoufa Moukoko.
Youssoufa Moukoko, 8 – Had an excellent chance to put Borussia Dortmund in the lead in the first-half but missed from 6-yards, using his preferred left foot. Had the youngster being confident on his right, BVB would have been 1-0 up. Still, excellent in transitioning the ball and his movement in the final third proved problematic.
Others: Marius Wolf (-), Anthony Modeste (-), Donyell Malen (-)
GGFN