Champions League

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Oct 3, 2012 at 7.45pm UK

Man City Manchester City
1-1
Dortmund Borussia Dortmund

Match Analysis: Manchester City 1-1 Borussia Dortmund

By Michael Penkman, Reporter | 03 October 2012

Sports Mole takes a closer look at tonight's Champions League group stage clash between Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium.

A late Mario Balotelli penalty has snatched a point for Manchester City from their Champions League group stage encounter with Borussia Dortmund.

Marco Reus had opened the scoring for the visitors, who ran into an inspired Joe Hart in the Citizens' goal.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look to see if the result was fair.

Match statistics

Manchester City
Shots: 12
On Target: 7
Possession: 64%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 8

Borussia Dortmund
Shots: 18
On Target: 8
Possession: 36%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 9

Was the result fair?

No. Borussia Dortmund will feel aggrieved, and they have every right to be. Joe Hart was Manchester City's hero, saving them on numerous occasions when the goal seemed at Dortmund's mercy. City never got going in attack, and the Bundesliga champions always seemed to find space in their final third. It's a mystery how Roberto Mancini's men have escaped with a point from this match.

Man City's performance

They were sluggish in attack. The had plenty of possession, especially in the first half, but their passes lacked zip and the movement was non-existent. Sergio Aguero tried hard but the service to him was rubbish. The same can be said for Edin Dzeko, as City resorted to playing the ball long into him. Yaya Toure was very quiet, as was Samir Nasri before he departed after 55 minutes. David Silva saw a lot of the ball, but looked a little bit jaded.

Dortmund's performance

Dortmund were really impressive tonight. They were bright and inventive going forward, while looking well drilled defensively. They were just denied by a sublime goalkeeping performance from Hart. Their entire midfield turned up tonight and their build-up play was beautiful at times.

Referee's performance

The only big decision Pavel Kralovec had to make, you'd have to say he got right. It was the penalty decision that cost Dortmund the win at the Etihad. Aguero diverted the ball goalwards and the ball hit Subotic on the arm. It's harsh, and he certainly didn't mean it, but if it's going on goal you probably have to give it.

Sports Mole's man of the match

I'm spoilt for choice with the Dortmund midfield. Ilkay Gundogan, Marco Reus, Jakub Blaszczykowski and Mario Gotze were all superb tonight, but I have to go for Joe Hart. He was inspired tonight.

Biggest gaffe

There were two missed sitters, but Davis Silva's has to be the easier chance. The Spaniard found himself six yards out with the goalkeeper scrambling and blazed over. You expect better, especially from one as talented as Silva.

What's next?

Man City: Roberto Mancini takes his team to Amsterdam for matchday three to face Ajax.

Dortmund: Jurgen Klopp's men welcome Real Madrid to the Westfalenstadion.