MOTM Poll: Bellingham Was the MOTM, Now Go Drown Your Sorrows

Well, we are out. Despite an admirable effort over two legs against one of Europe’s foremost sides in Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund were made to pay for lapses in concentration in both legs. At the Westfalenstadion, the black and yellows found the lead early through an exquisitely-taken goal from Jude Bellingham, his second in two games. Dortmund gave as much as they could to defend the slender margin until the 55th minute, when Emre Can’s awkward body shape lead to a handball and a penalty. The call was not without controversy, but ultimately Can was punished for his carelessness when Riyad Mahrez smacked home his effort. Phil Foden sealed the deal for the Citizens in the 75th minute, and it was curtains for a deflated Borussia Dortmund.

Though the result stings, Dortmund can take positives away from their efforts against Manchester City, no one more than Jude Bellingham. On his first club outing against a side from his native England, he truly showed what Premier League sides missed by letting the 17 year-old jet off to the Bundesliga. Bellingham delivered two world class performances, rewarded with a goal in the second leg to make up for the one he deserved in the first.

Today Jude Bellingham was the uncontested Man of the Match, but he simply could not do enough to lift his team past the giant that is Manchester City. Dortmund will have a lot of thinking to do about the future of their defense, but one thing is for certain: the future of their midfield is in very capable hands. It is incredible to see Jude go toe-to-toe with the best, and the confidence and bravado with which he does it should honestly embarrass his teammates. At his age, Jude plays with a maturity and determination that outclasses some of the team’s most experienced players.

MOTM Honorable Mention: Mats Hummels. He did work hard today, and nearly scored. Credit to him for never giving up. Say what you will about him leaving for Bayern, but he has done his best to bleed black and yellow since his return.

Now, like I said, go grab a drink and try to wash this one down.