The Etihad Stadium in Manchester is the battleground for a high-stakes UEFA Champions League league phase encounter between reigning champions Manchester City and German giants Borussia Dortmund. This Matchday 4 contest features two of the most in-form teams in the competition, both currently sitting in the top half of the overall standings after three games. City, unbeaten in Europe so far, are aiming for a decisive home victory to consolidate their push for automatic qualification to the last 16. Dortmund arrive in England with excellent momentum, having scored a remarkable 12 goals in their first three European fixtures. This match is a fascinating rematch, testing the tactical control of Pep Guardiola’s City against the explosive, counter-attacking football of Niko Kovač’s Dortmund, with the added subplot of Erling Haaland facing his former club.
Match Details
This midweek Champions League clash is vital for both teams as they seek to improve their seeding for the knockout rounds.
| Detail | Information |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League – League Phase (Matchday 4) |
| Date | Wednesday, November 5, 2025 |
| Kick-off | 8:00 PM GMT (9:00 PM CET) |
| Venue | Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England |
Team Form and Analysis for Manchester City
Domestic Form and European Performance
Manchester City enter this match in terrific form, having bounced back from a rare Premier League defeat with consecutive domestic victories, including a 3-1 win over Bournemouth at the weekend. City’s European campaign has been measured and effective, securing seven points from their first three matches through controlled victories over Napoli and Villarreal and a 2-2 draw away to Monaco.
The Citizens are currently sitting in 7th place in the 36-team Champions League league phase table, level on points with Dortmund but with an inferior goal difference. Their success has been underpinned by a near-impenetrable home record in Europe, where they are unbeaten in 22 Champions League group/league matches dating back to 2018. Manager Pep Guardiola will emphasize positional discipline and ball circulation, aiming to dominate possession and starve Dortmund of counter-attacking opportunities.
Key Player: Erling Haaland
The focus will inevitably fall on striker Erling Haaland, facing his former club once again. The Norwegian is in devastating form, having scored a staggering 17 goals in 13 appearances this season across all competitions, including scoring in every Champions League game so far. Haaland’s predatory finishing, pace, and physical presence have transformed City’s attack. His continued prolific output will be the key factor in breaking down Dortmund’s high defensive line.
Team Form and Analysis for Borussia Dortmund
Domestic Form and European Performance
Borussia Dortmund have enjoyed a highly entertaining and successful start to their Champions League campaign. They arrive in Manchester unbeaten in Europe, having secured two wins and one draw for a total of seven points. Their matches have been goal-fests, with BVB scoring an astonishing 12 goals in their three league phase fixtures (including a 4-4 draw with Juventus and a 4-2 win over Copenhagen).
The Black and Yellows currently sit in an impressive 6th place in the Champions League league phase table, also on seven points, narrowly ahead of City on goal difference. Manager Niko Kovač has instilled a style of play characterised by vertical chaos and explosive, fast-breaking football. However, this attacking prowess is balanced by a defensive vulnerability, as they have conceded seven goals in their three European games. Their domestic form is also strong, having climbed to third place in the Bundesliga after a weekend win over Augsburg.
Key Player: Serhou Guirassy
Striker Serhou Guirassy has been highly effective for Dortmund since his arrival and is their most reliable goal threat in Europe. He was the joint-top scorer in the Champions League last season and brings clinical timing and composure to the forward line. Guirassy’s ability to attack space and capitalise on City’s high defensive line will be crucial for Dortmund’s counter-attacking strategy.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
The Champions League rivalry between Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund is recent but closely contested, though City hold the slight edge.
| Metric | Manchester City Wins | Draws | Borussia Dortmund Wins |
| Total Champions League Meetings | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Last 5 Meetings (All Competitions) | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Most Recent Result (Oct 2022) | Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Manchester City (A) |
In their six previous Champions League meetings, Manchester City have three wins to Dortmund’s one, with two draws. Importantly, City have not been defeated by Dortmund under Pep Guardiola, and the last two meetings at the Etihad both ended in narrow 2-1 victories for the home side, demonstrating the tight nature of this fixture.
Players to Watch
Manchester City
- Jérémy Doku (Winger): The pacey winger is one of Europe’s most exciting dribblers and provides direct width to City’s attack. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one will be crucial in creating openings against Dortmund’s aggressive defensive setup.
- Nico González (Midfielder): Expected to fill in for the injured Rodri, the young midfielder’s composure as the single pivot, anchoring the midfield and managing the distribution, will be a key tactical battleground against Dortmund’s press.
Borussia Dortmund
- Julian Brandt (Attacking Midfielder): The German international is the creative spark for Dortmund, drifting intelligently between the lines. His vision and technical skill are essential for linking midfield and attack, providing ammunition for the forwards.
- Nico Schlotterbeck (Defender): The central defender is set to return from illness and will be tasked with anchoring the backline. His aerial prowess and ability to carry the ball forward will be crucial, though his discipline will be tested by Haaland’s relentless presence.
Prediction
This fixture is a mouth-watering prospect between two top-tier European sides. Manchester City’s unbeaten home record in Europe and the devastating form of Erling Haaland make them clear favourites. However, Borussia Dortmund’s remarkable goal-scoring form and their ability to punish transitional mistakes mean they cannot be underestimated. While Dortmund will score, City’s superior control, tactical discipline, and the sheer quality of their individual talent, especially at the Etihad, should see them edge out the victory in a high-scoring thriller.
Score Prediction: Manchester City 3-2 Borussia Dortmund
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This UEFA Champions League fixture is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms.
In the United Kingdom (UK), the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with coverage beginning at 7:00 PM GMT. It can be streamed via the Discovery+ app and website for subscribers.
In the United States (US), the match is available on Paramount+ and ViX.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions for the most accurate broadcast information.
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