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Borussia Dortmund secured their place in the Champions League knockout round with one game remaining on Tuesday by drawing 0-0 with already-qualified Manchester City.
The outcome ensured that City, with 11 points after missing a second-half penalty, would win Group G, while Dortmund, with 8, punched the second qualifying ticket, securing second place ahead of Sevilla, who are in third place and have 5 points.
“We played much better in the second half. In the first half we conceded some balls and lost some counter-attacks,” said City coach Pep Guardiola.
“Since I’ve been here we’ve missed 24 or 25 penalties – it’s too many. You always have to admire the courage, but missing so many penalties is a problem. We have to improve.
“It comes down to fine margins in this competition and these situations can make the difference,” he added.
Dortmund, who needed a point to progress, got out to a fast start with Karim Adeyemi’s pace down the right flank creating significant issues.
The German player tested City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega with his first shot on target early in the game.
Gio Reyna’s low shot from the 25th minute brought them closer, but Youssoufa Moukoko, who was unmarked, missed their finest opportunity to score from six metres away.
Erling Haaland, the leading scorer for City, was entirely kept out by defender Mats Hummels in the first half of an unimpressive return to Dortmund, where he had scored 86 goals in 89 appearances up until his departure in June.
When Riyad Mahrez was hauled down in the box, they had the opportunity to take the lead.
Gregor Kobel of Dortmund defeated the Algerian, who had also missed a penalty kick the day before against FC Copenhagen. Kobel chose the right corner to palm away the Algerian’s effort.
Kobel also made a good save on Julian Alvarez’s attempt in the 67th minute, which ended up being City’s last opportunity during open play.
