City Outclass Dortmund Into Semis
Pep Guardiola would be a relieved man after watching his side see off Borussia Dortmund in a commanding manner as Dortmund were unable continue Man City's jinx of losing out in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
Dortmund started brightly and would have fancied a comeback when after 15 minutes, 17-year old English star, Jude Bellingham fired home a sumptuous strike to put the home side on the advantage after good work from Erling Braut Haaland.
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City came into the game without a recognized striker. Pep opted for Bernando Silva in a false 9 role with both Sterling and Gabriel Jesus on the bench while Sergio Aguero was not listed.
Guardiola's men showed that their focus has been on the Champions League with series of attacks to at least get that vital away goal.
First, it was Kevin de Bruyne who hit the woodwork with a fine effort from the edge of the Dortmund box after a sloppy play by the Submarines' defence with Bernando Silva unable to keep his header down with the follow up.
It was Riyad Mahrez who would be denied the next opportunity with Dortmund goalkeeper, Hitz saving the Algerian's strike from close range at the far post.
In a quick response after the interval, City saw their hardwork pay off as Emre Can was penalized for handling the ball inside his own 18-yard area.
It was once again a centre of controversy, a close call that looked like Can headed the ball into his hand, but VAR upheld the referee's call. Mahrez stepped up to put away the resulting spot kick. It was the former Leicester City's star's first Champions League goal this season and his first since 2019.
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With about a quarter of the match to go, De Bruyne was again denied, however, from the resulting corner kick which was quickly taken by City, Phil Foden was given too much space at the edge of the Dortmund box. The amazing youngster who has been phenomenal since breaking into the first team was not going to be denied as he fired a screamer down the near post. Hitz should have done better with that as there was little space between him and the bar where the ball passed through and he also got a hand to the ball.
The win means Pep Guardiola has now reached his eighth semifinal, joint highest with Tottenham's Jose Mourinho and will take side to visit fellow favorites, PSG in the first leg of the semifinal in a fortnight.
Guardiola's reign at City has been successful with the Champions League the only trophy missing from his cabinet. Could this be City's year? They need to escape PSG first.