Haaland’s Spark, City’s Smile: Guardiola Reveals the Secret as Dortmund Falls 4-1
6 November 2025
A Salute to the Team
Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, pulled back the curtain on Erling Haaland's current sparkle and admitted he is pleased to see teammates also making their mark.
Speaking after City's 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad in the Champions League, Guardiola highlighted the collective effort that carried the night.
Haaland’s New Milestone
The Norwegian forward reached a notable milestone in European competition, becoming the first City player to score in five consecutive Champions League matches and reaching 54 goals in the tournament overall.
City’s win was their third in this season's European campaign, lifting them to fourth place with 10 points, a sign of the team’s growing consistency on the continent.
Foden’s Return to Form
Foden contributed a brace, and Guardiola praised the return of his best level as the team balanced attack with renewed solidity. He explained that having more quality around Haaland makes life easier for the striker and the entire front line.
City also boasted a deep squad and a refreshed dynamic, with changes and tactical tweaks helping them control phases of the game and puncture Dortmund’s resistance.
On the night, City had previously lost the lead briefly but recovered through a blend of wide play and efficient finishing, signaling that the rhythm of the side is returning ahead of demanding fixtures.
As Foden noted, the mood is lighter now, but the work rate remains high. Guardiola added that the team must stay focused and not get carried away by a single result amid a crowded schedule.
And then two light-hearted lines to deflate the tension: City’s defense was so tight the ball filed a complaint with the referee for obstructing its flight path, and Haaland’s goal tally is getting so big my calculator needs a vacation.
