Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with already-qualified Manchester City allowed Borussia Dortmund to advance to the Champions League quarterfinals with a game to spare.
The result ensured Manchester City, who missed a penalty in the second half and are on 11 points, will finish atop Group G, while Dortmund, on eight points, punched the second qualifying ticket, securing second place ahead of third-placed Sevilla, who are on five points.
“We performed significantly better in the second half. In the first half, we gave up a few balls and lost a few counterattacks, stated Pep Guardiola, the head coach of City.
“Since I’ve been here, we’ve missed twenty-four to twenty-five penalties — that’s too many. One must always respect the bravery, but missing so many penalties is problematic. We must make progress.
“This competition comes down to thin margins, and these scenarios can make the difference,” he added.
SEVEN sensational saves! 🚫
🧤 Your favourite? #UCLsaves || @TurkishAirlines || #UCL pic.twitter.com/1tejY1Q44p— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 25, 2022
The Germans, who needed a point to advance, got off to a great start, with Karim Adeyemi’s speed down the right wing causing significant issues.
The Germany international attempted his first shot on goal early in his debut, testing City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.
Gio Reyna drew closer in the 25th minute with a low shot, but it was unmarked Youssoufa Moukoko who should have scored a few minutes later but instead sidefooted their best opportunity wide from six meters out.
In an unimpressive return to Dortmund, where he had scored 86 goals in 89 games before leaving in June, City’s leading scorer Erling Haaland was entirely shut out in the first half by Dortmund defender Mats Hummels.
The English champions failed to register a single shot on goal, and the Norwegian was substituted out at the half.
“Erling and Joao Cancelo both had a fever before the game. They were exhausted, so we made adjustments “Guardiola stated.
When Riyad Mahrez was pulled down inside the box, they could have taken the lead.
The Algerian, who missed a penalty kick on the previous matchday against FC Copenhagen, was defeated by Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel, who deflected his shot to the correct corner.
Kobel did well to block Julian Alvarez’s effort in the 67th minute, which was City’s first and only open-play opportunity.
“We finally rewarded ourselves with a point tonight versus City,” stated Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic. “We played an excellent first half. I have rarely seen a City game with such little opportunities.” Sevilla, in third place with five points, advanced in the Europa League on Tuesday after defeating 10-man Copenhagen 3-0.