Match report as Riyad Mahrez saw a second-half penalty saved by Gregor Kobel; Youssoufa Moukoko also missed a huge chance to score for Dortmund in the first half; Man City top Group G with one game to spare as Dortmund also reach the last 16
Man City secured top spot in their Champions League group – despite another missed penalty from Riyad Mahrez – and Borussia Dortmund reached the last 16 after a 0-0 draw at Signal Iduna Park.
Although far from a European classic, both teams took away what they needed from the match with a game to spare, wrapping up proceedings in Group G.
Man City failed to have a shot on target in the first half – the second time that has happened in the Champions League this season, having also failed to do so against Dortmund in the reverse fixture – and the hosts should have gone ahead before the break, but Youssoufa Moukoko turned an effort wide from close range.
Erling Haaland and Joao Cancelo were replaced at half-time. The in-form striker was kept very quiet by former teammate Mats Hummels, while Cancelo was caught out one too many times by the impressive Karim Adeyemi.
Explaining his decision, Man City manager Pep Guardiola said both players had felt unwell before the game, telling BT Sport: “Erling had a little bit of fever before the game. Joao as well. He had a knock in his feet. He was looking tired, Joao, as well. So that’s why we changed it.”When asked later about Haaland’s injury, the Spaniard said: “I spoke with (the medical staff) at half-time and they were a little bit concerned, but I saw him walking more or less normally. We will see.”When asked later about Haaland’s injury, the Spaniard said: “I spoke with (the medical staff) at half-time and they were a little bit concerned, but I saw him walking more or less normally. We will see.”
Man City had a golden chance to wrap up three points when Emre Can tripped Mahrez over inside the area, giving the visitors a stonewall penalty. However, the Algerian missed his second Champions League penalty of the season, seeing his effort well-saved by Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.