On a chilly night at the Etihad, it was Manchester City’s homegrown hero, Phil Foden, who shone brightest, scoring a crucial late goal to secure a 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League quarter-final first leg. While many pre-match scripts focused on Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, it was Foden whose name echoed around the stadium after a scintillating performance.
De Bruyne Puts City Ahead Early
This was a classic European encounter, brimming with tension and brilliance. Pep Guardiola’s men, relentlessly pursuing an unprecedented quadruple, started with their trademark swagger. They dominated possession, and the breakthrough felt inevitable. It came in the 19th minute from a goal that was pure Manchester City. A lapse from Dortmund’s Emre Can was pounced upon, and Kevin De Bruyne surged forward to finish a swift counter-attack, setting the stage for what looked to be a comfortable City win.
Dortmund Denied by Controversial Refereeing Decision
But this is the Champions League, and comfort is a luxury. Dortmund, despite being under pressure, showed their teeth. The match’s most contentious moment arrived when English teenager Jude Bellingham smartly dispossessed City keeper Ederson and tapped the ball into an empty net. However, the referee controversially blew for a foul before the ball crossed the line, denying VAR a chance to review what looked to be a perfectly good goal. The decision left Dortmund fuming and viewers perplexed.
Reus Snatches Crucial Away Goal for Dortmund
The second half saw Dortmund grow in confidence. Haaland, who had been relatively quiet, suddenly burst to life, shrugging off Ruben Dias with incredible strength before forcing a fine save from Ederson. It was a stark reminder of the ever-present danger he poses.
That danger turned into a tangible result in the 84th minute. A beautiful, flowing move saw Haaland play a deft flick into the path of his captain, Marco Reus, who coolly fired past Ederson. The Etihad was stunned. An away goal for Dortmund had changed the complexion of the entire tie.
Foden Strikes Late to Give Man City the Advantage
Just as the narrative of another frustrating European night was being written for City, Phil Foden had other ideas. In the 90th minute, a moment of magic from De Bruyne saw him float a breathtaking cross-field pass to Ilkay Gündoğan. His cushioned touch found Foden, who drilled the ball into the far corner with the composure of a seasoned veteran.
It was a goal of immense significance for the match and for Foden, who was a livewire all evening. To cap it off with the winning goal in a Champions League quarter-final felt like a true coming-of-age moment. While City takes a slender lead to Germany, Reus’s away goal means this tie is far from over, but for tonight, the story belongs to Phil Foden.
