Wednesday September 14th, 8pm
Man City @ 1/5
Dortmuhnd @ 12/1
Draw @ 13/2
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SPECIALS
STAT ATTACK
City arrive in form having swatted Sevilla aside 4-0 in their opening Group game. Again, they find themselves as favourites for the one trophy that has eluded them since their mega-money takeover, almost 15 years ago.
Tonight, attention turns to Borussia Dortmund, the previous home of star striker Erling Haaland. The Norwegian has made a record-breaking start to life in Manchester, becoming the first player in Premier League history to score nine goals in his first five games.
Staggeringly, his Champions League record is even more impressive, with 25 goals in his first 20 games on Europe’s biggest stage. For context, Cristiano Ronaldo did not have a single goal by this stage on his journey to becoming the competition’s record goal scorer…
Pep has his man, and City are shifting their style of play to suit his strengths to great effect, leaving the rest of Europe on high alert.
City’s wait
Hard to believe, but the last time Pep Guardiola won the Champions League, Erling Haaland was just a month shy of his 11th birthday and he’s still winless in the competition without the services of Lionel Messi.
Last season City fans would have been browsing hotels in Paris for another meeting with familiar foes in Liverpool, only for them Real Madrid to score twice in injury time at the Bernebeu. Karim Benzema then sealed Madrid’s place in the final from the penalty spot in extra-time.
Whilst City’s squad depth remains unrivalled, Haaland and De Bruyne could prove to be the catalyst for them to get over the line this time around.
An efficient, if not extravagant, summer transfer window has seen City replace the notable departures of Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Oleksandr Zinchenko with money to spare.
Forgive us if you’ve heard it before but now, there really are no excuses for Pep’s men to finally conquer Europe.
Dortmund’s Chances
Those with reasonable memories will recall these two clashed in dramatic fashion in 2020/21 in the quarters. City were perhaps a little lucky to progress back then after Ederson’s blushes were spared by referee Ovidiu Hategan. His clearance was intercepted by Jude Bellingham who had an empty goal awaiting, only for the young star to be adjudged to have fouled the ‘keeper before City went on to progress 4-2 on aggregate.
A Dortmund side without Haaland is less likely to challenge City’s defence, though they’re more than capable of troubling the hosts. Anthony Modeste and Karim Adeyemi both joined in the summer and offer an attacking threat.
It’s at the other end, though, that could be greater cause for concern. The defensive duo of Niklas Süle and Nico Schlotterbeck shipped three goals at the weekend vs Leipzig and will need to be at their very best to contain City’s superstars.
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