Haaland's Other Role in Manchester City's Victory Over Dortmund

MANCHESTER, THURSDAY — Erling Haaland shattered Borussia Dortmund's defenses overnight. Not only with his goals, Haaland also utilized his predatory aura inside the penalty area to lead Manchester City to a 4-1 victory over Dortmund in the continuation of the UEFA Champions League at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Thursday (6/11/2025) early morning WIB. Dortmund's reputation as the team with the strongest defense in Germany collapsed instantly.

Dortmund arrived at the Etihad with a record of six clean sheets in the Bundesliga. Nevertheless, stealing points at the Etihad remains a monumental mission.

Therefore, coach Niko Kovac has reverted to the 3-4-2-1 formation, which has been key to Dortmund's solid defense this season. This three-defender formation will transform into a five-defender setup when not in possession of the ball. This is crucial to anticipate the two wing players of City, Jeremy Doku and Savinho, who are strong in one-on-one duels and dribbling.

Dortmund's efforts to contain the explosiveness of City's wings proved successful. In the midfield, the tight spacing between lines made it difficult for City players to advance further. Even if they managed to break through, goalkeeper Gregor Kobel performed brilliantly with several saves. City's attempts to score quickly were delayed, at least until the 22nd minute.

In the midst of the deadlock in scoring, Haaland played his other role. This season, the Norwegian striker has contributed a total of 58.6 percent of City's goals across all competitions. This time, it was not only Haaland's goal-scoring ability that helped City win, but also his skill in drawing the movements of Dortmund's defenders.

This was evident from the breakthrough goal scored by City, which was netted by Phil Foden. In limited space, Haaland deliberately made a small run towards the Dortmund penalty area.

Haaland's movement drew the Dortmund defenders, led by Nico Schlotterbeck, into the game. This created a wide space, allowing Foden to dribble the ball further. Foden capitalized on the momentum to unleash a low, placing shot that Kobel couldn't reach.

"Regarding the number of goals, Haaland is always extraordinary. But he is more than just goals or assists. He has delivered his best performance for us," said Doku in an interview after the match.

Without intelligent off-the-ball movement from Haaland, City might have been trapped in a maze of deadlock against Dortmund's iron wall. In modern football, the role of a forward or striker is no longer limited to scoring goals or providing assists, but also how their movement can create space for teammates.

Haaland is aware that his reputation as a prolific predator can be utilized. For this reason, he deliberately moved away from Foden, who was in possession of the ball, to draw the attention of the Dortmund defender. Haaland fully understands that his movements will always be closely monitored by opponents.

After playing a role in City's opening goal, Haaland once again demonstrated his primary function as a goal scorer. Receiving a low cross from Doku, he unleashed a powerful shot from inside the penalty area to double City's lead in the 29th minute.

With that goal, Haaland became the first player to score in five consecutive Champions League appearances for three different clubs, namely RB Salzburg in the 2019-2020 season, Dortmund (2020-2021), and City (2025-2026).

Foden was in scintillating form in this match, scoring the second goal in the 57th minute, putting City three goals up. His method of scoring was similar, placing the ball into the bottom right corner of Kobel's goal. Under the Dortmund defender's guard, Foden maintained his composure, dribbling and executing the ball.

Foden's placing technique is reminiscent of a similar skill set by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. During his playing days, Henry often scored goals by prioritizing placing the ball beyond the goalkeeper's reach, rather than striking with maximum power.

With his incredible reflexes, Kobel is considered difficult for opposing attackers to beat. However, a goalkeeper with such excellent reflexes is more effective when beaten with placing balls beyond his reach. Foden recognized Kobel's quality and quickly made the decision to release a placing shot to trouble him.

"I think he's close (to his best). He doesn't need to be any closer. How many times have we seen goals like that from Phil? His tenacity, especially in the final third. We've missed him so much," City manager Pep Guardiola told TNT Sports.

Trailing by three goals, the spirit of the Dortmund players did not wane but instead intensified. Amid the despair caused by City's relentless attacks, Dortmund took the initiative to launch an offensive in the middle of the second half in an effort to close the goal deficit.

Right winger Karim Adeyemi was the most troublesome player for City's defense. Adeyemi made a total of five shot attempts, all of which were thwarted by Gianluigi Donnarumma. However, Dortmund's consolation goal did not come from Adeyemi, but rather from defender Waldemar Anton, who capitalized on a cross from Julian Ryerson in the 72nd minute.

Although they managed to score a reply goal, there was no expression of joy from Kovac, who knew that his team found it very difficult to catch up with City. That premonition was proven when City successfully extended their lead to 4-1 through a goal by Rayan Cherki at the end of the match.

The victory over Dortmund places City in fourth place in the Champions League standings. "The Citizens" also remain unbeaten in their last 22 home matches in the Champions League.