Phil Foden scores twice and Haaland adds another as Manchester City dominate Borussia Dortmund 4–1 in style

Phil Foden’s brilliance once again proved Manchester City’s barometer for success as his two goals powered Pep Guardiola’s side to a commanding 4–1 win over Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad. With the victory, City moved to ten points from four group matches, tightening their grip on qualification as they rediscovered the swagger that defined their treble-winning season.

Foden was electric from the first whistle, dictating the rhythm of play and delivering two moments of effortless class. Erling Haaland, captaining City for the night, marked the occasion with his 27th goal of the season, while Rayan Cherki added a fourth deep into added time to seal a statement win. Dortmund’s Waldemar Anton briefly disrupted proceedings with a close-range strike, but it did little to dent City’s dominance.

Guardiola’s men, sharper and hungrier than they have looked in weeks, overwhelmed Dortmund with their control and creativity. The Catalan manager had uncharacteristically given his squad a rest day on Tuesday following their demanding 3–1 win over Bournemouth, but any fears of rust were quickly dispelled. By half-time, City were comfortably in charge.

Dortmund started brightly, controlling early possession and pressing high, with Karim Adeyemi testing Gianluigi Donnarumma after capitalising on a Josko Gvardiol error. But once City found their rhythm, they were irresistible. Foden was everywhere, first forcing a save from Gregor Kobel before smashing home his opener after a slick passing move involving Nico González and Tijjani Reijnders. The goal, calmly rolled beyond Kobel’s reach, set the tone for a mesmerising performance.

Minutes later, City doubled their lead. Savinho’s direct run and strike forced a save, but Jérémy Doku gathered the rebound and cut the ball back across the box. Haaland, lurking as always, met it with a thunderous finish to make it 2–0. The Norwegian’s celebration was understated, but the moment marked another display of his lethal instincts and growing leadership.

Guardiola, however, was not fully satisfied. The perfectionist on the touchline was quick to vent his frustration at minor lapses, including a misjudged clearance by Donnarumma that nearly allowed Adeyemi to pounce again. The warning signs briefly sparked life into Dortmund, who pulled one back when Anton jabbed home from close range midway through the second half.

Any flicker of a comeback was swiftly extinguished. Foden, operating like the conductor of Guardiola’s symphony, collected the ball from Reijnders and spun away from his marker before firing home from distance for his second of the night. It was a goal of sheer quality, instinctive, precise, and emphatic drawing roars of approval from the home crowd and a hug from his manager at the final whistle.

City continued to toy with their opponents. Doku and Savinho dazzled on the wings, exchanging flicks and backheels with Haaland as Dortmund struggled to contain the movement and tempo. One sweeping move almost produced a fifth when Savinho blazed over after a flowing exchange involving Doku and Haaland.

Guardiola’s post-match reflections are likely to focus on the small details rather than the scoreline. His side’s fluid passing and positional discipline suggested they are nearing peak form again, an ominous sign for their rivals ahead of Sunday’s heavyweight clash with Liverpool.

The win also reinforced how central Foden has become to this iteration of Guardiola’s City. The “Stockport Iniesta,” as fans affectionately call him, was everywhere linking attacks, pressing with intelligence, and finishing with clinical precision. “If Phil Foden performs, Manchester City perform,” has become a truism, and tonight, both were at their best.

Dortmund, third in the Bundesliga and beaten only once this season before this defeat, were left chasing shadows. Adeyemi’s missed sitter late on summed up their night. Guardiola’s only lingering concern will be the fitness of midfielder Rodri, who remains sidelined with a hamstring issue. “It doesn’t feel perfect,” he admitted pre-match. “He won’t be out for long.”

If City continue in this vein, though, they may scarcely need him. On a night when Foden sparkled, Haaland delivered, and the Etihad roared, Manchester City looked every bit like Europe’s team to beat once again.