Premier League champions-elect Manchester City travel to Germany on Wednesday to line up against Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. This match is scheduled for a 20:00 GMT kick-off, and you can follow all the play live on television. Man City hold a narrow 2-1 aggregate advantage, but it’s a fragile lead, and the Germans will be encouraged by their away goal scored at the Etihad Stadium.
Dortmund and Man City have met only three times previously in competitive competition, and the head-to-head stats show an even split. Both teams have won one match each with the spare ending in a draw. The city got off the mark last week and now aim to protect their slender advantage to book a place in the semi-final.
Dortmund keep it competitive
Borussia Dortmund travelled to England last week knowing they were up against one of the favourites to win the Champions League. Some pundits expected a heavy defeat. Borussia Dortmund did lose the match in England but scored an away goal and kept things competitive returning to Germany. This quarter-final match hangs in the balance, and Dortmund fans will be confident their club has what it takes to go through.
Domestically, Borussia Dortmund is fifth in the league and pushing hard for a top-four finish and a place in next season’s Champions League. They have won only one of their last three games but did take three points when beating Stuttgart 3-2 on the road. A much stronger defensive showing is required if Dortmund are to see off Man City.
Man City still have it all to do
Man City enjoys an aggregate lead, but they still have it all to do if they progress to the semi-final and keep their dreams of winning the Champions League alive. They were one of the pre-tournament favourites to lift the trophy, and it is no surprise to see Pep Guardiola’s men still involved at this late stage. They have a real chance to do the double this season, winning both the Premier League and Champions League.
Goals from De Bruyne and Foden was enough to earn Man City a win in the first-leg, but they needed a 90th-minute goal to get it. Leading 1-0 heading into the final stages, Dortmund equalised through Reus on 84 minutes, but Foden struck late to win it for his employers. Another tense match is expected, and this game could go to extra time.
Borussia Dortmund vs Man City prediction
The first leg showed the gulf in class between these teams isn’t as big as some believe. Dortmund kept fighting at the Etihad and came close to causing an upset. Anything close to a repeat performance could see them overturn the first leg loss and progress to the semis. It won’t be easy, but Dortmund is certainly good enough.
Man City lost that goal at home, but they do have a 2-1 lead and know a draw of any description would see them through. We’ve seen many times that Man City are good enough to score away from home in this competition, and they’ll create a few chances in Germany. The visitors are unlikely to defend their narrow advantage.
Champions League odds
Borussia Dortmund is 4.7 with Man City 1.648 and the draw 4.28.
Make sure to bet on Borussia Dortmund vs Man City with 22Bet!
