In Group G, Bellingham continued their impressive start to the season as Dortmund eased 3-0 at home to Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday. Gio Reina provided two assists. Captain Marco Reus scored in the 35th minute, Raphael Guerreiro added another just before halftime, and Jude Bellingham made it 3-0 in the 83rd minute, with the hosts fueled by the legendary ‘Yellow Wall’ of 25,000 standing fans. This season, governing body UEFA has permitted standings, and supporters, in select European matches, increasing the capacity for several clubs. Dortmund, who was without key players due to injury, including goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, Mo Dahoud, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, was almost caught off guard just 20 seconds when Copenhagen captain Zeca’s shot struck the post. Marco Reus increased his tally to 22 goals in 57 Champions League games.
Reus had a solid passing success rate, pressed high when not in possession, and dropped back when the defence needed help. If you pay great attention to Reus, you will see the profundity of his hand motions when guiding his teammates. This was a genuine team captain’s performance. Jude Bellingham proved why he’s such a valuable addition to their squad in his 97th appearance in Black and Yellow. He’s a tough guy, and I’m guessing he was the most fouled player tonight. But Jude gets up and continues on his way. He was one of the more active players in this game, appearing to have a touch or a dribble in almost every attacking move. When Gio joined the pitch, he made an immediate impression. His footwork is second to none, as he assisted Guerreiro and Bellingham, the first of whom he lay off after drawing the keeper out.
Haaland Scores on City’s UCL Debut
Man City opened their Champions League campaign with a 4-0 win over Sevilla, with Erling Haaland scoring twice and making 12 goals in seven matches. City’s new hero scored twice in the Group G opening, with Phil Foden and Ruben Dias also contributing, as Pep Guardiola’s pursuit for the club’s first Champions League title started. At 20 minutes mark, Haaland converted a Kevin De Bruyne cross before Foden inverted a fantastic second goal into the far corner after the interval. City, who were at their slickest, made the game secure on 67 minutes when Haaland tapped home after Foden’s effort was parried, giving the Norwegian striker 25 goals in his 20 Champions League games.
Dias scored in injury time to seal an overwhelming victory. Man City are generally not at their best when crossing the border into Spain, having won only three of their 13 outings, but they settled so well in Sevilla.