Manchester City 4–1 Borussia Dortmund: Player Ratings as Haaland Haunts His Old Club! | OneFootball

Phil Foden twirled, Erling Haaland thundered, and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City reminded Europe that when they’re in rhythm, there’s no orchestra quite like them. Borussia Dortmund arrived at the Etihad hoping to spoil the show; instead, they ended up watching it from the front row as City, driven by a glittering Foden performance, dismantled them 4-1 in a night full of flair, ferocity, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.

City started the evening sluggishly, flirting with danger in the opening exchanges. But once Foden found his mojo, it was smooth sailing from there. His two beautifully crafted goals sandwiched Haaland’s trademark finish – the Norwegian predictably scoring against his old employers, just because he could.

Dortmund had their moments – and City had their wobbles – but it was Rayan Cherki’s late curler that restored order and ensured Guardiola’s men marched on with a third win in four Champions League games.

Here’s how the players rated from another European night that combined brilliance, bemusement, and a bit of Bundesliga heartbreak.

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Manchester City Player Ratings

Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6.5/10

One minute he’s a brick wall, the next he’s a confused tourist lost at the near post. A few nervy flaps at crosses had Guardiola visibly ageing on the touchline, but he redeemed himself with a fine block to deny Guirassy. Needs to start catching footballs again like he catches attention.

Matheus Nunes – 6/10

Still looks like a midfielder doing community service at right-back. Showed energy but little awareness, getting caught out more than once when Dortmund broke down his flank. Looks capable of brilliance – usually for five minutes at a time.

John Stones – 7.5/10

Elegant as ever, occasionally too elegant. Glided through challenges and even popped up with a crucial block on Adeyemi. His passing remains Guardiola’s dream material. If City’s defence was a jazz band, Stones was the saxophone.

Josko Gvardiol – 6.5/10

Good first half, ropey second. Tried one cross-field ball that nearly became a Dortmund counter, but he steadied himself later.

Nico O’Reilly – 7/10

A tireless engine at left-back who often played like a box-to-box midfielder. Bombed forward relentlessly and even came close to scoring, only for Kobel to spoil the fun. Developing a nice understanding with Doku on the left.

Tijjani Reijnders – 6.5/10

A walking paradox. At times, it looked like he was conducting play with purpose – threading Foden through for the opener with a lovely pass. Then he switched off completely to let Anton score. A performance that screamed, “Genius… but human.”

Nico González – 7.5/10

Anchored midfield with calmness and class. Press-resistant, crisp in possession, and always available as the outlet when others panicked.

Phil Foden – 9/10

When Foden’s in this mood, defenders might as well lie down and pray. His first goal was a masterstroke: quick feet, cleaner finish. His second? Pure artistry – pirouetting through traffic and caressing the ball past Kobel like a painter signing his name. He’s now moved past Ronaldinho in the Champions League scoring charts, which is absurd when you remember he still looks about 15.

Savinho – 7/10

Pace, flair, chaos. Scared Dortmund’s full backs to death with his dribbling, only to undo the good work with his shooting. Needs polish, but when he’s running at you, your only prayer is that he runs out of pitch.

Erling Haaland – 7.5/10

Of course he scored. Of course it was against Dortmund. And of course, it was hit with enough force to knock down a small wall. Not his sharpest outing, but his instinct remains terrifying. Spent half the night snarling at defenders and the other half reminding them why he’s world-class.

Jeremy Doku – 7/10

The calm to Savinho’s chaos. Less flashy, more direct, and utterly decisive when it mattered – his cutback for Haaland’s goal was textbook Doku: explosive pace, low cross, and defenders in pieces.

Substitutes

Rayan Cherki – 7.5/10

A cameo that oozed class. Scored a lovely solo goal in stoppage time – his first in the Champions League – that killed off Dortmund’s resistance. Looks like a player who could be sensational if he ever internalises the concept of tracking back.

Bernardo Silva – 6.5/10

Brought calm and composure to a side that was teetering. Sprayed passes slowed things down and generally did what Bernardo does – like adding a bit of jazz to Guardiola’s symphony.

Rúben Dias – 6.5/10

Came on to restore order and did exactly that. The defensive equivalent of a deep breath.

Omar Marmoush – N/A

Barely touched the ball after replacing Haaland late on. Did celebrate Cherki’s goal enthusiastically, though.

Rayan Aït-Nouri – N/A

Came on to run out the clock; didn’t need to do much else.

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Borussia Dortmund Player Ratings

Gregor Kobel – 6.5/10

Pulled off some great stops but probably went home with nightmares about Foden’s finishing. Couldn’t do much about the goals but kept it from being a cricket score.

Julian Ryerson – 5.5/10

Had a torrid time dealing with Doku’s pace, though he redeemed himself slightly by setting up Anton’s goal. Still, defensively, he looked like a man trying to stop a runaway train with a spoon.

Waldemar Anton – 6.5/10

One of Dortmund’s better performers and their surprise goalscorer with a tidy finish. Defended stoutly but couldn’t handle Haaland’s physicality.

Nico Schlotterbeck – 6/10

Decent in duels but too passive when Foden and Haaland combined. At times it looked like he was waiting for someone else to fix the problem.

Ramy Bensebaini – 4/10

Rough night. Was roasted repeatedly by Savinho and offered nothing going forward. If this were boxing, the ref would’ve stopped it by halftime.

Daniel Svensson – 4.5/10

Struggled to cope with City’s midfield press. Contributed little before being subbed – possibly for his own good.

Marcel Sabitzer – 5/10

Worked hard, achieved little. Couldn’t get on the ball enough to make a difference and looked gassed by the hour mark.

Felix Nmecha – 5.5/10

Had a few sharp moments but lacked an end product. Ran plenty, threatened little.

Maximilian Beier – 5/10

The ghost of the midfield. Occasionally popped up, misplaced a pass, and disappeared again.

Serhou Guirassy – 5.5/10

Did his best in isolation but was outmuscled by City’s back line. Missed Dortmund’s best chance when Donnarumma stood tall to deny him.

Karim Adeyemi – 6.5/10

Dortmund’s only real spark. Forced a great save early and kept trying to make things happen. Unfortunately, his teammates were operating on a different Wi-Fi connection.

Substitutes

Pascal Groß – 5.5/10

Added some shape but lacked tempo.

Jobe Bellingham – 5/10

Played like someone still growing into his surname. Some nice touches, no real impact.

Emre Can – 4/10

Brought on for leadership; brought confusion instead. Gave away fouls like Halloween candy.

Carney Chukwuemeka – 4.5/10

Didn’t get into the game. Spent most of his time chasing shadows.

Fabio Silva – N/A

Came on too late to influence proceedings.

Man of the Match: Phil Foden (Manchester City)

Two goals of pure finesse and flair, plus countless moments of brilliance between the lines. He was everywhere, doing everything – gliding past defenders, creating danger, and reminding Europe that he’s no longer City’s golden boy; he’s their golden man.

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For Manchester City, this was a statement win wrapped in style. Pep Guardiola’s men found their rhythm after a scrappy start and showcased why they’re still Europe’s most complete side when firing. Foden’s artistry, Haaland’s ruthlessness, and Cherki’s swagger sealed a performance full of Champions League authority.

Dortmund, meanwhile, will wonder how they managed to look both brave and broken within 90 minutes. Courtois’ counterpart Kobel saved them from humiliation, but their defensive frailty and lack of cutting edge were brutally exposed.

City now sit comfortably in 4th, chasing knockout qualification with momentum restored. Dortmund, on the other hand, must regroup fast if they want to qualify.

Another night, another City masterclass – and another reminder that Phil Foden, when the lights are brightest, shines like few others in Europe.