Champions League: Manchester City Finally Break Their Quarterfinal Curse

Borussia Dortmund 1-2 (2-4 on agg.) Manchester City 

Manchester City are through to the semifinals of the Champions League as they defeated Borussia Dortmund last night.

After trailing by one goal in the first half via a Jude Bellingham score, Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden kicked things up a notch for the Sky Blues in the second half by scoring one goal apiece.

The victory was much needed for Manchester City since the quarterfinals stage was a huge roadblock to them in recent seasons. Now that they’re over the hump, their hopes of winning it all are very much alive as well as achieving an unprecedented quadruple.

City have now reached the Final Four for the first time under Pep Guardiola, who won the competition twice during his time as Barcelona’s manager. Their previous appearance dates back to 2015/16 when Manuel Pellegrini was still in charge at the helm.

 

Furthermore, it was a bitter end to Borussia Dortmund’s run especially since they are unlikely to re-appear in this tournament next season. By placing only fifth in the Bundesliga standings, BVB’s Champions League 2021 odds look bleak. 

Here at SBOTOP, let us relive the game by looking at the latest Champions League 2021 highlights. 

 

Highlights of the game

City certainly needed a pick-me-up coming into this contest especially after losing uncharacteristically to Leeds United in the last time out.

However, BVB looked like the hungrier team early on as they had more possession and certain chances were created during the first few minutes.

One of those came during the seventh minute as Mahmoud Dahoud tested Ederson with a thumping strike after finding himself open within 18 yards.

Edin Terzic’s men continued to press forward while City played keep away and they finally broke the ice during the 15th minute.

Jude Bellingham got payback from the controversial disallowed goal during the first leg. When Erling Haaland’s drought continued with a deflected shot inside the penalty area, Jude Bellingham was at the right place and at the right time to smash home BVB’s only goal of the evening. 

Dortmund came at City again almost instantly after the restart as Marco Reus’ corner teed up Manuel Akanji for a header that was scooped up by Ederson.

In what was an encouraging sign for City during the 25th minute, Kevin De Bruyne threatened BVB’s defence with his long attempt. However, his shot unluckily bounced off the crossbar and Bernardo Silva’s follow up went too wide.

Borussia Dortmund seemed content on playing not to lose instead of playing for the win as Manchester City kept on testing Marwin Hitz just before the break.

The Sky Blues eventually scored the equaliser when Riyad Mahrez scored off of a penalty during the 55th minute after Emre Can was caught for a handball when he was trying to block away a cross.

Mats Hummels went for an equaliser during the 69th minute after a curling free-kick from Marco Reus, but his header went over the goalpost.

BVB were left to rue on their missed opportunities as Phil Foden sealed their fate with a lovely finish during the 75th minute. 

 

Key statistics

With Borussia Dortmund being the latest to be eliminated, it is official that no German side has reached the semis this term. 

With Pep Guardiola guiding City to their second-ever Champions League semifinal, he now has joint-most appearances (8) in the history of the tournament among all managers – level with Jose Mourinho.

Riyad Mahrez’s equaliser was his first Champions League goal since 2019, ending his drought of 14 games. He has also netted each of his three penalties in the tournament.

Jude Bellingham is only going to get better from here on out. The young forward became only the second player to reach 10 Champions League appearances before turning 18 years old (17 years, 289 days). Youri Tielemans was the last one to achieve such feat back in 2014.

On the other hand, Phil Foden is only the second player under 21 years old to score in both legs of a Champions League quarterfinal tie since Kylian Mbappe in 2016/17.

 

What’s next?

Manchester City turn their focus to the FA Cup this weekend as they’ll fly over to Stamford Bridge in a collision course against Chelsea in the semis. Perhaps this might be a preview of a possible finals matchup in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund hope to gather more points in the Bundesliga when they host Werder Bremen this Sunday at Signal Iduna Park.

 

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The post Champions League: Manchester City Finally Break Their Quarterfinal Curse appeared first on SBOTOP.