Ever wondered what happens when Erling Haaland faces his old team? He scores, of course, and Manchester City turns it into a party. Last night’s 4-1 dismantling of Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad wasn’t just a win—it was a reminder of City’s ruthless edge in Europe, pushing them firmly into the Champions League’s top eight with style and swagger.Manchester City racked up 10 points from their first four league-phase matches after this convincing victory, with Phil Foden’s brilliant brace, Haaland’s clinical finish for his 43rd UCL goal, and substitute Rayan Cherki’s debut strike sealing the deal.
bbc.com Dortmund pulled one back, but City’s dominance was clear from the start, as Pep Guardiola’s side bounced back to their fluid best despite missing key players.
espn.com This comes amid a solid 2025/26 campaign, where City sit high in the standings with three wins and a draw so far.
nbcsports.com This result isn’t just points on the board—it’s a morale booster for fans who’ve endured a patchy domestic run, and it underscores Haaland’s emotional tie to Dortmund while boosting his confidence against familiar foes.
cbssports.com For players like Foden, it’s a spotlight moment that could propel his season, while Cherki’s goal justifies his £34m summer move from Lyon.
skysports.com On the business side, advancing directly avoids playoff drama, securing more revenue from UEFA’s pot, and culturally, it reinforces City’s status as Europe’s entertainers.Look, I’ve always believed City’s depth is their superpower, and this game proved it—even without Rodri, who’s being eased back cautiously after injury.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk Guardiola’s tweaks brought out the best in Foden and the wingers, hinting at a team peaking at the right time. If they keep this intensity, I predict a deep run, maybe even lifting the trophy again—Dortmund looked shell-shocked, and bigger tests await.
City now boast 10 points from four UCL matches, placing them among the league phase elite with a +8 goal difference.
Erling Haaland’s strike took his Champions League tally to 43, including five this season alone.
“Creativity, pace, skill. Manchester City have got their joy back ” –@StevenMcinerney on X, capturing the fan buzz post-match.
What struck me most this week was Foden’s sheer class—stepping up like the homegrown hero he is, turning pressure into pure magic.
As City eye the knockout stages, it’s games like this that fuel the dream. What’s your prediction for their UCL fate? Hit reply and let’s chat—your takes always spark the best debates!