Manchester City followed in their youth team’s footsteps after a 1-1 draw in Borussia-park was good enough to see them qualify from Group C of the Champions League as runners up.
Borussia’s more robust set-up frustrated City for the most part of the opening half. Andre Schubert was rewarded for his tactics on the 23rd minute when Lars Stindle outfought John Stones before laying it off to Brazilian teammate Raffael for him to rifle the ball past Claudio Bravo from the edge of the box.
Oscar Wendt could have made it two after Bravo’s throw gifted the German outfit a cheap chance – but the Chilean avenged himself with a brilliant save to deny the left-back.
Pep Guardiola tinkered though and his sky blue outfit finally woke up. Just moments after Sergio Aguero squandered his side’s best chance, David Silva got on the end of Kevin de Bruyne’s cross to equalise.
The game turned to a 10 v 10 after Borussia captain Stindle and City midfielder Fernandinho received their second bookings of the night – both equally unnecessary and soft.
It was a game of cat and mouse as to whether City would gamble for the win – Owen Hargreaves certainly encouraged that on commentary. A draw good enough to see them through the group as runners-up after Barcelona’s 2-0 win at Celtic Park.
Pressure is off when the Scottish green and whites visit the Etihad next month. Here’s tonight’s player ratings;
