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;
Claudio Bravo - 6
Helpless for the Monchengladbach opener but made a smart stop to deny the German’s doubling their lead in the first-half.
John Stones - 5
At fault for conceding the ball to Stindl in the goal and had some clumsy moments when the home side countered City.
Nicolas Otamendi - 6
The stand out and most stable of the back-three. The Argentine was useful in the air and strong in the tackle.
Aleksander Kolarov - 5
Like Stones, Kolarov struggle with the counters but as the system reverted back to four-at-the-back, he looked more comfortable.
Fernandinho - 5
A silly red or a poor decision? BT Sport’s replay coverage didn’t help me in truth but either way, not one of the Brazilian’s finest performances.
Ilkay Gundogan - 6
An acute pass to Sterling gave City the freedom the draw the score level and our German midfielder was very solid tonight.
Raheem Sterling - 5
Looks so much more natural and dangerous coming in from the right but Sterling was stuck out left for the majority of the match and struggle to get involved.
Jesus Navas - 6
As Navas as Navas performances come really. Our Spanish winger was neither good nor bad – steady would be the best to describe him.
David Silva - 6
The game didn’t flow with the maestro really but his goal was vital in sending City through to the last 16.
Kevin de Bruyne - 7
City’s main attacking threat once more, KDB took responsibility when others couldn’t penetrate the Borussia defence.
Sergio Aguero - 6
Lonely up top tonight but there wasn’t much he could do when swarmed with Monchengladbach defenders.
Substitutes
Bacary Sagna – came on as a result of Fernandinho’s sending off. Sterling the player sacrificed and the French defender helped kill the game off.
6/10
Fernando – big shout out to Fernando’s performance tonight. Man of the match. (not really, the poor lad never got on as a result of City keep-ball).