The Ruhr valley club, were in superb form as they made it four wins out of four league games since the restart and move up to 37 points.

• Bundesliga table | Fixtures | Results
• Get Sky Sports | Download the Sky Sports app

Freiburg, who dropped to sixth place on 34 points, slipped up at the start with Kiliann Sildillia booked twice in three minutes to reduce his team to 10 men in the 17th minute.

It did not take long for Dortmund to make their advantage count and former Freiburg defender Nico Schlotterbeck rifled in for the lead from the tightest of angles in the 26th minute.

Dortmund had Freiburg firmly on the back foot but the visitors struck against the run of play with Lucas Hoeler drilling in a loose ball after the hosts had failed to clear it near the end of the first half.

Order however was quickly restored after the restart as Dortmund scored twice in a span of three minutes.

Jude Bellingham set up Karim Adeyemi with a backheel flick and the Germany international slipped the ball past keeper Mark Flekken in the 48th to put them back in front.

It was then time for Haller, having come back only weeks ago from months of surgery and chemotherapy to treat testicular cancer diagnosed soon after joining the club last July, to put his travails behind him and get back to scoring ways.

The Ivory Coast forward nodded in after 51 minutes for his first competitive goal.

"This goal came way too late," Terzic said. "We had wished he had scored his first goal back in July and August when we signed him, but you all know the story since then."

"So the goal came today, in front of the yellow wall (of Dortmund fans). It means so very much to him and so very much to us. We hope it was the first of many, many goals."

Julian Brandt's long-range effort that went in off the post in the 69th minute, and Gio Reyna completed Freiburg's demolition after Freiburg coach Christian Streich was sent off as well for dissent.

Messi guides PSG to win over Toulouse

Lionel Messi's second-half goal helped a lacklustre Paris Saint-Germain beat Toulouse 2-1 to move eight points clear at the top of Ligue 1.

The superstar struck with a typical curling strike in the 57th minute following a move with Morocco right-back Achraf Hakimi, who drew PSG level late in the first half after free-kick specialist Branco van den Boomen put Toulouse ahead in the 20th.

PSG was without injured forwards Kylian Mbappe and Neymar and relied heavily on Messi, who hit the post during stoppage time.

• Ligue 1 table | Fixtures | Results

Mbappe is out for at least three weeks after sustaining a left thigh tear. Neymar is having treatment for a sore adductor and missed his second straight game. PSG's injury woes increased when Portugal midfielder Renato Sanches went off injured in the 13th with a thigh injury.

PSG had lost two and drawn one of its previous five matches, and fell behind in the 20th minute when Van den Boomen's free-kick from the right flew past stranded goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into the left corner.

After Marquinhos hit the post with a header from Messi's corner, PSG equalised with a fine 25-yard strike from Hakimi in the 38th minute.

Messi struck the winner after the break with his third goal in his last five league games to put PSG on 54 points from 22 games.

Roma bounce back to beat Empoli

Two almost identical goals in the opening six minutes set Roma on the way to a comfortable 2-0 win over Empoli in Serie A.

Jose Mourinho's team were looking to bounce back from a humiliating cup exit to Cremonese in midweek.

And it got off to the perfect start when Roger Ibaez headed in a corner from Paolo Dybala less than two minutes in.

Roma doubled their lead four minutes later when Dybala floated in another corner from the left for Tammy Abraham to head home.

• Serie A table | Fixtures | Results

Matters almost got worse for Empoli immediately after the break, but goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario pulled off a fantastic triple save.

He first parried Dybala's volley and then got up quickly to keep out Gianluca Mancinis follow-up. With Vicario still on the ground, Abraham seemed certain to head in the rebound from point-blank range but the goalkeeper stuck up his leg to incredibly stop that, too.

Cremonese's Serie A future grew ever more bleak after they failed to continue their cup exploits in the league. They lost at home to Lecce 2-0 to leave them rock bottom of Serie A, 10 points from safety.

Cremonese are without a Serie A win this season but beat Napoli and Roma to reach the Italian Cup semi-finals for the first time in 36 years and only the second time ever.

However, their league woes deepened when Lecce scored twice in the second half. Federico Baschirotto headed in Morten Hjulmands cross and Gabriel Strefezza curled a delightful effort into the top left corner.

Atletico held by Getafe

Atletico Madrid dominated but were held to a 1-1 draw by LaLiga's second-from-bottom side Getafe who equalised late in the second half thanks to an Enes Unal penalty.

Atletico missed several chances to take an early lead, eventually scoring in the 60th minute when Angel Correa fired a volley into the net from a rebound.

But Getafe secured a precious point away from home in the 83rd minute after the referee spotted a handball by Saul Niguez inside the box. Unal stepped up and blasted in the resulting penalty.

Atletico are fourth in the LaLiga standings on 35 points, four behind third-placed Real Sociedad and 15 back from leaders Barcelona. In the relegation zone, Getafe are 19th on 18 points.

Matt Doherty was an unused substitute for Atletico in the week he completed his move from Tottenham.

Graham Potter's side had the better chances amid a boisterous atmosphere in Germany but Thiago Silva had a goal disallowed for handball and Joao Felix hit the crossbar when well placed. Ademeyi's solo run punished their earlier profligacy just after the hour mark.

It was cruel on Chelsea given their performance. Once behind they pushed hard for the equaliser and came close when Kalidou Koulibaly had his fierce shot cleared off the line by Emre Can. But they must now come from behind at Stamford Bridge to progress.

The defeat on the night means that Chelsea have now won only once in nine matches since the turn of the year and though Potter will have been encouraged by some of what he saw, this was further evidence that this is a team still finding ways not to seize victory.

The Chelsea boss told BT Sport: "The boys have been fantastic in terms of their work, but at the moment, we're suffering in terms of results. But the performance was a big step forward for us tonight.

"It's half-time. We need to regroup and take the game at Stamford Bridge."

• How the teams lined up | Match stats
• Download the Sky Sports App | Get Sky Sports

How Dortmund won it on the night

The relaxing of restrictions in the summer that had previously required temporary seating to be installed on the vast Sudtribune for European competition meant that the knockout stages of the Champions League were treated to the full Dortmund experience.

The terrace was packed over one hour before kick-off, a cacophony of boos greeting the Chelsea players for their warm-up let alone the game itself. With confidence fragile, cohesion fledgling, it made for a daunting test for Potter's team.

They played on the counter-attack in the first half but there were opportunities. Thiago Silva had a goal disallowed for handball from Reece James' left-wing free-kick before Joao Felix spurned two excellent chances to give Chelsea the lead on the break.

The first saw his measured shot fly over the bar. The second, on his weaker left foot, came back off the crossbar having been set up by Kai Havertz. Along with the speedy Mykhailo Mudryk, Chelsea looked potent with space to run into but could not make it count.

Dortmund, for all their first-half possession, had little clear-cut for Kepa Arrizabalaga to deal with, Sebastien Haller's shot on the angle being as close as they came. Captained by the combative Jude Bellingham, they offered just enough to keep the crowd in it.

The game flipped in the second half, Chelsea taking control and testing the goalkeeper through James, while Mudryk and Enzo Fernandez had efforts blocked. Just as the momentum was with them, they were exposed at the back by Adeyemi.

One-on-one with Fernandez, he outpaced the backtracking midfielder and rounded Kepa before slotting low into the net. The noise inside the stadium was extraordinary. The Chelsea players seemed in shock. It is becoming an unfortunate habit.

Dortmund were jittery thereafter as the away side tried to fashion an equaliser, Fernandez forcing a fine save from the excellent Gregor Kobel from the edge of the box. But the Chelsea supporters in the stadium were left bereft by their team's failure to conjure a goal.

Speaking the night before about the link between resources and results, Potter had observed that the beauty of football is that two plus two does not always equal four in this game. Right now, Chelsea continue to look less than the sum of their expensive parts.

Potter: Poor goal cost us but we were better team

"Overall, we were pleased with the performance for big parts of the game," said the Chelsea boss.

"It is complicated away from home in the Champions League, a hostile environment against a team in a good moment. In the second half, apart from one decisive action where we don't do well enough, I thought we were the better team."

Chelsea had been the dominant force in the second half when they were caught out on the counter-attack. "Sometimes you can feel comfortable in a game but you are never comfortable at this level," added Potter.

"It is a poor goal. We have to do better, we were pushing at the time, the better team. So to concede in that manner, we are all disappointed. The players are honest, they can do better. We have to help them with that. But we have to focus on the positives.

"The attitude has been really good as a group. The spirit is there in the team. We just need a bit more luck, carry on the performance level and keep improving.

"Hopefully, we can improve and take the game to them at Stamford Bridge."

Dortmund boss Terzic compares Adeyemi to Road Runner: 'Meep Meep!'

Adeyemi earned comparisons to the cartoon character Road Runner following his superb solo winner.

"Meep Meep! And then he goes," Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic told BT Sport when asked to describe the 21-year-old's goal.

"This is the quality of Karim. It was a corner kick and we defended it quite well. It was a dangerous situation but then when you see his acceleration. His first touch was there to accelerate the game.

"If you are quick like this then it is going to be very tough for every defence. It was a great goal and very important as it was the winning goal."

Analysis: 'Everything but the goal'

"Chelsea had everything but the goal," said Clinton Morrison on Soccer Special.

"They were really good and there are a lot of positives to take for Graham Potter, but they just could not put the ball in the back of the net.

"They have bought a lot of players but not an out-and-out No 9 who can stick away a chance. Chelsea will head back to London disappointed with the result, but Potter will be happy with the performance. What was lacking was the cutting edge in the final third.

"Joao Felix could have come away with the match ball on another night, but on the other hand Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi is hot property. There will be a lot of big clubs in England and across Europe looking at him. He has got a lot of pace and he caused Chelsea plenty of problems. His goal was outstanding."

Opta stats - No shots on target in first half

• Borussia Dortmund enjoyed their first win over an English side in the UEFA Champions League since September 2014 over Arsenal (2-0), ending a run of nine matches against English clubs without a win in the competition (D1 L8).
• Before this season, Chelsea have been eliminated from each of their last three two-legged UEFA Champions League knockout ties when losing the first leg, last progressing in the 2013-14 quarter-final against PSG.
• This was the first UEFA Champions League match this season not to see a first-half shot on target, despite the two sides attempting a combined 16 shots before half-time (Borussia Dortmund 11, Chelsea 5).

What's next?

Chelsea are back in Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when they host the bottom club Southampton at Stamford Bridge.

There are further Premier League games against Tottenham and Leeds before Chelsea welcome Dortmund for the return leg of this tie on March 7.

Heading into the 2014-15 season, Dortmund were once again expected to be the main challengers to Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich. The two clubs, like Liverpool and Man City's recent Premier League battles, had enjoyed a fierce rivalry ever since Klopp had taken over at Signal Iduna Park in 2008, with the Bavarians beating Klopp's team to the Bundesliga in 2013-14.

However, with Klopp having only signed a new contract at Dortmund in October 2013 - ring any bells anyone? - hopes were high at the Westfalenstadion they could repeat their back-to-back title wins under him in 2011 and 2012.

• Get Sky Sports
• Premier League table | Premier League fixtures
• Live football on Sky Sports this week

The club, though, would have to try to wrestle back their Bundesliga crown from Bayern without one of the key architects behind their recent successes, Robert Lewandowski, who had agreed to move to the Allianz Arena that summer.

As with Sadio Mane's departure from Liverpool to Munich in June last year, Klopp had tried but failed to persuade his influential forward to stay, leaving a huge hole to fill in attack the following season.

Similar to when Liverpool beat City to claim the Community Shield in July, there were no obvious signs of the struggles to follow as Dortmund confidently dispatched Bayern 2-0 to win the German Supercup in August 2014.

This, after all, was still very much the same side who only lost the 2013 Champions League final against Bayern to a last-minute Arjen Robben goal, although looking back now with the advantage of hindsight, it was also an ageing team that had been going flat out under Klopp for the previous six years.

None of that, however, explained how the team suddenly went from being Bayern's closest challengers just a few months earlier to one that had just 11 points to their name after 12 games of the campaign, including a dreadful run of five straight defeats that sent them spiralling into the drop zone in November.

It was Dortmund's worst start to a Bundesliga season and one that left their coach bewildered and angry: "It's a brutal, s***** situation, crazy," he said at the time.

And like with this season at Anfield, the club's form in Europe was at first unaffected by their travails back on home soil as they topped a tough-looking Champions League group, with every win immediately followed by claims the corner had now been turned.

But frustratingly, it had not as Klopp's trusted lieutenant, Peter Krawietz, recalls in Rafa Honigstein's book, 'Klopp: Bring the Noise': "In the Champions League, we did OK, we qualified for the knock-out rounds, but that only made us wonder if we were lacking the right attitude in the league. You're in a spiral, going round in circles, going down. And we didn't manage to get out of it."

Dortmund's nosedive in results was certainly not helped by Ciro Immobile's struggles in attack, as the man brought in to replace Lewandowski found it hard to adapt to life in the Ruhr Valley and for the first time under Klopp, their transfer business was questioned.

However, as with Liverpool this season, the problems ran far deeper than just the departure of one key player.

Dortmund were not only suffering from injuries to several key players - Klopp called it "the worst injury crisis in the history of football" - which meant they were unable to rotate as often as the manager wanted, but the packed schedule also led to less time on the training pitch in which to iron out their mounting problems in what became a vicious cycle.

Klopp bristled at suggestions from the press that the gegenpressing style he had implemented so effectively at Westphalia had now led to burnout and injuries among his players, snapping back with: "a wretched question, Bayern have injuries too, but they can compensate them better," when a journalist suggested as much ahead of facing Munich.

But it was not just a lengthening injury list that was the problem, Dortmund had become to find it increasingly hard to break down teams who came to Signal Iduna Park with a low block and looking to play on the break.

Klopp's side would routinely dominate games, creating numerous openings, only to squander them and then lose to a goal scored on the counterattack.

"We kept losing games in exactly the same way," recalled Krawietz. "We were extremely vulnerable to counter-attacks. We played games where we enjoyed plenty of possession, created good chances, but lost 1-0 or 2-0 because of a couple of counter-attacks."

And as has also happened at Liverpool this season, the German was quick to dismiss suggestions the rest of the league had now worked his side out, telling a local reporter as much: "I'm not looking for a fight, so I will even answer the stupid questions. If you say we've been 'found out', what does that say about the work of opposition coaches for the last few years? Were they unable to see what our game is?"

Either way, though, the pressure was clearly telling on Klopp, who as well as scolding journalists in press conferences, was also berating referees and their assistants, leading to numerous red cards and hefty fines, both traits we have seen repeated this season.

"I don't recognise myself sometimes on the touchline," Klopp said after one particularly volcanic eruption at a fourth official in Naples had led to his dismissal from the touchline.

Incredibly, at the midway point of the season, the team were still languishing in the relegation zone, with only goal difference keeping them off the bottom of the table.

However, the mid-season winter break came at exactly the right time for Klopp and his beleaguered Dortmund players, unlike what has happened at Liverpool since the campaign resumed again after the pause for the World Cup,

"We had at last a chance to regenerate and practice a few things without the pressure of competitive football," says Krawietz. "It was clear that with a bit of rest for the legs and heads, we'd be able to get it right, that this team could function again."

• Wolves pile on misery for Liverpool with huge win
• Salah's form analysed: What's going wrong?
• Neville: Liverpool need to wake themselves up

They did as Dortmund slowly managed to pull themselves up the table when the campaign resumed after a six-week hiatus, helped by a four-game winning run in February 2015.

In fact, for a while, there was even belief Dortmund could scramble into the Champions League places, only for them to finish seventh and with it qualification for the Europa League third qualifying round.

Another parallel to Liverpool's 5-2 home thrashing by Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 was a demoralising 3-0 home loss to Juventus for Dortmund at the same stage.

It would ultimately convince Klopp his time was up at the club, the shock announcement coming the following month with Dortmund lying an incredible 37 points behind the leaders Bayern. Though there is no sign of history repeating itself, yet, it will present a worrying omen for Liverpool fans.

All this came just 18 months after Klopp had agreed a two-year contract extension to keep him at the Westfalenstadion until 2018, and less than two years on from contesting the final of Europe's premier club competition in what's a warning to Liverpool fans just how quickly things can turn sour in football.

Klopp himself may refute suggestions the same thing is happening now at Liverpool, saying last month about his Dortmund exit: "Seven years and it was just a situation that players constantly got bought by other clubs. It was a really hard job to do, constantly making two steps back. It was really intense and really exhausting, which is the reason why I said we had to stop it here, but I didn't have an energy problem, not at all.

"I have absolutely no problem with energy and the situation is completely different here. I can understand that I left after seven years [previously] and now we are in a difficult situation and people take that [view] but, if you think twice about it, you realise the situation is completely different."

However, if you had told Dortmund supporters in May 2012 that the man who had just guided them to a league and cup double - their second straight Bundesliga title - would had left the club within three years, you would have been laughed out of town.

Confirmed Bundesliga fixtures live on Sky Sports

• Get Sky Sports | Get NOW to stream biggest moments
• Bundesliga fixtures | Results | Table
• Download the Sky Sports app

Sunday April 2: Cologne vs Borussia Monchengladbach, kick-off 2.30pm, live on Sky Sports Mix

Sunday April 2: Werder Bremen vs Hoffenheim, kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports Mix

Saturday April 8: Hertha Berlin vs RB Leipzig, kick-off 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports Football

Sunday April 9: Borussia Monchengladbach vs Wolfsburg, kick-off 2.30pm, live on Sky Sports Football

Sunday April 9: Bochum vs Stuttgart, kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports Football

Sunday April 9: Hoffenheim vs Schalke, kick-off 6.30pm, live on Sky Sports Football

Friday April 14: Schalke vs Hertha Berlin, kick-off 7.30pm, live on the Sky Sports app and Sky Sports' YouTube channel

Saturday April 15: Eintracht Frankfurt vs Borussia Monchengladbach, kick-off 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports Football

Sunday April 16: Werder Bremen vs Freiburg, kick-off 2.30pm, live on Sky Sports Football

Sunday April 16: Union Berlin vs Bochum, kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports Football

Sunday April 16: Wolfsburg vs Bayer Leverkusen, kick-off 6.30pm, live on Sky Sports Football

Friday April 21: Augsburg vs Stuttgart, kick-off 7.30pm, live on Sky Sports Football

Saturday April 22: Borussia Dortmund vs Eintracht Frankfurt, kick-off 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports Football

Sunday April 23: Freiburg vs Schalke, kick-off 2.30pm, live on Sky Sports Football

Sunday April 23: Bayer Leverkusen vs RB Leipzig, kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports Football

Sunday April 23: Borussia Monchengladbach vs Union Berlin, kick-off 6.30pm, live on the Sky Sports app and Sky Sports' YouTube channel

Heading into the weekend, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and unlikely contenders Union Berlin were all level on 43 points after 21 games in the German top flight. This is the latest there has been a three-way tie at the top since the introduction of three points per win in 1995/96.

Dortmund, the last side to break Bayern's vice-like grip on the title under Jurgen Klopp in 2012, beat Hoffenheim 1-0 on Saturday afternoon to see them take a three-point lead at the top of the table, but their two title rivals are hot on their heels.

• Live Bundesliga football on Sky Sports | Title race hots up for Bayern Munich
• Kingsley Coman haunts PSG again as Bayern claim first-leg advantage
• Get Sky Sports | Get NOW to stream big moments

Bayern, Germany's perennial champions, host underdogs Union Berlin at the Allianz Arena on Sunday, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 4.30pm.

Here, we take a look at the three teams battling it out at the top of the Bundesliga ahead of a pivotal weekend with the help of Sky Germany reporter Uli Kohler...

Bayern Munich

It's nearly March and still Bayern don't have a commanding lead at the top of the Bundesliga. So what's going on at Germany's most dominant club?

Head coach Julian Nagelsmann has managed to win just two of his last six games in the league, most recently losing to Borussia Monchengladbach 3-2 last Saturday after seeing Dayot Upamecano sent off after eight minutes.

Nagelsmann appeared to be feeling the pressure after the game as he lost his temper with official Tobias Welz publicly, shouting his discontent before going into the referee's room in plain sight of the press.

The 35-year-old later apologised on Twitter: "Emotions are part of sport. And given the red card, I had to vent after the game.

"However, I have to apologise for the choice of words to the team around Tobias Welz. Unfortunately I went too far there."

Bayern were in ripe form before the World Cup but have failed to hit their stride again, losing almost as many points (9) in the six league matches back as they had in the previous 15 games (11).

This is the German champions' lowest number of wins at this stage of the season since 2010/11, when Dortmund won the Bundesliga title. Nagelsmann doesn't want a repeat of that. Louis van Gaal, Bayern's head coach at the time, was sacked in April 2011 before the season was over.

Sunday's game against Union has taken on huge significance in Munich as Nagelsmann heads into a pivotal period of the season, which includes the second leg of Bayern's Champions League last-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain.

Drop points on Sunday and Nagelsmann could really be under pressure.

Union Berlin

Union Berlin are the team that no one expected to be here. Promoted to the Bundesliga for the first time in the club's history in 2019, this is somewhat of a fairytale story.

But it's no accident, either. Union showed everyone just how good they are last season, clinching fifth spot in the league.

Urs Fischer, the Swiss coach in charge of Union, has worked wonders on a relatively shoestring budget to compete with Bayern and Dortmund so far into the season.

Union, who have spent around £21m on signings this season, broke their transfer record in January in a deal with Celtic for right-back Josip Juranovic worth an initial £7.5m.

Bayern, for comparison, broke their transfer record in 2019 as they purchased Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid for more than £70m and have spent around £128m on signings this season.

Union head coach Fischer has created the best defence in the division behind only Bayern to give his side a solid base from which to launch a potential title challenge. They've allowed just 24 goals this season compared to Bayern's 21 conceded.

One of their biggest strengths has been their home form. Union are unbeaten at the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei in the Bundesliga this season, a run which has seen them draw with Bayern at their peak and beat Dortmund.

Union have been less convincing on the road, but have experienced an up-tick in form post-World Cup like Dortmund and won all three of their away league games, making Sunday's trip to the Allianz a good litmus test of their title credentials.

Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund have taken full advantage of Bayern's stuttering return to action following the World Cup by winning all eight of their league matches.

Edin Terzic's side are the form team in Germany and as expected on Saturday, won 1-0 at Hoffenheim, who are now on a five-game losing run and have not won since beating Schalke 3-0 in October.

Dortmund have now beaten all 10 of the teams they have faced since the season's restart - including Chelsea in the Champions League - making them real contenders to push Bayern all the way.

Julian Brandt, the Germany midfielder, has been a revelation for Dortmund in this period. The midfielder, delivering when it counts for the German club, netted the winner against Hoffenheim on Saturday, scoring for the fourth successive league game and the ninth time in total this season.

Karim Adeyemi, the 21-year-old striker signed from Red Bull Salzburg in the summer, has been another of Dortmund's star performers, netting in their last four games prior to Saturday. However, he is now out with a hamstring injury suffered while setting up Dortmund's second goal in a 4-1 win over Hertha Berlin.

With Adeyemi and Youssoufa Moukoko now unavailable due to injury, it will be a test of Dortmund's other options, including English teenage duo Jude Bellingham and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, to see if they can step up.

Watch Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin on Sunday from 4.20pm, live on Sky Sports Action; kick-off 4.30pm.

Havertz sent his initial effort against the post after Marius Wolf was penalised for handball but a re-take was ordered due to encroachment and the Germany international held his nerve, picking the same spot and converting at the second attempt (53).

For Dortmund, the decision to award Havertz's penalty and then allow him to retake it left a bitter taste. "It is a yard or two away," said midfielder Jude Bellingham of the handball. "That in itself was disappointing, but the fact they had a retake is a joke.

"For every penalty with such a slow run up there is going to be encroachment by people running into the box by a yard or so, but that's the game. They've made the decision. We have to live with it."

• How the teams lined up | Match stats
• Champions League fixtures | Results
• Get Sky Sports | Download the Sky Sports app

Emre Can added: "To give a second penalty? I just don't understand it. He [Havertz] hit the post, end of story. The referee was arrogant all game... we're playing in Stamford Bridge.

"Maybe he was afraid of the fans, no idea but then maybe UEFA should send another referee. It's just not on."

Raheem Sterling had earlier levelled the tie on aggregate with a powerful strike from the centre of the box from Ben Chilwell's cut-back (43) following a positive start by the hosts at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea, buoyed by Saturday's much-needed 1-0 win over Leeds in the Premier League, came into the game having only scored twice in their previous seven games but finally found some cutting edge in front of goal, the victory keeping their European dream alive and relieving some of the pressure on head coach Graham Potter.

"To win a game to go into the last eight of the Champions League you'd have to say it's up there with wins and evenings in my career," said Potter.

How Chelsea fought past Dortmund

After a delay of 10 minutes to the kick-off time due to traffic around Stamford Bridge, Chelsea were quickly onto the front foot, Joao Felix seeing an early effort charged down by Alexander Meyer before Havertz fired wildly over when put through on goal.

Dortmund weathered the early storm and went close themselves when a Marco Reus free-kick forced an acrobatic save from Kepa Arrizabalaga, but Chelsea were soon in the ascendency again.

They moved the ball forward with speed and directness and, despite some sloppiness in possession, the approach saw them create a succession of first-half chances, with Havertz crashing a shot off the inside of the post which whistled across the goal-line.

Havertz then thought he had opened the scoring when a second effort thundered in off the underside of the bar after Sterling had been denied by Meyer, but the linesman raised his flag, with VAR showing Sterling to be just offside in the build-up.

It felt like a familiar story for Chelsea, even more so when the unmarked Kalidou Koulibaly mis-kicked a Chilwell corner with Meyer stranded, and Felix then saw his follow-up effort blocked.

But the breakthrough finally arrived when Chilwell accelerated into the Dortmund box on the left and cut the ball back for Sterling, who fired home at the second attempt after initially failing to make a proper connection with his shot.

Chelsea were indebted to Chilwell again when he showed impressive alertness at the other end to prevent Raphael Guerreiro from going through on goal just before the break, and their second arrived soon after play resumed after half-time.

Dortmund felt the penalty award was harsh given Wolf's proximity to Chilwell when the wing-back's attempted cross struck his hand, but referee Danny Makkelie was unmoved by their protests having consulted the pitch-side monitor.

Chelsea were then handed a reprieve when a re-take was ordered for encroachment by players from both sides after Havertz had sent his effort against the upright, but he finished clinically with his second, once again stuttering his run-up as he picked the same spot.

Dortmund had the better of things after that as they attempted to claw a goal back and force extra time, but Chelsea withstood the visitors' pressure, with Jude Bellingham sending a glorious chance wide and Wolf seeing a diagonal effort saved by Kepa.

In the end, the one-goal aggregate advantage proved sufficient for the hosts, with a delighted Potter joining the celebrations on the pitch afterwards, the victory keeping their hopes of Champions League glory alive despite their Premier League struggles.

Potter: Fantastic feeling after emotional win

Chelsea boss Graham Potter told BT Sport: "There is a lot of emotion in the end. It was tense in the end but the boys played fantastic. I am delighted for them to get the win and great for everyone here.

"There was a fantastic feeling in the dressing room. We have been through a tough period and this competition means a lot for us. We wanted to progress and get into the last eight and it sets us up for the next few weeks.

"We have to recover and prepare for Saturday when we play Leicester. It is great for the boys, two clean sheets after a tough period. You get that in life and it is about how you respond and the players have been fantastic.

"It was important we put pressure on them and get the crowd with us. It is not easy to do because they are a top team playing with confidence.

"Credit to the players they gave everything and over the two games I thought we deserved to go through."

Asked what he knew about the decision for Havertz to retake his penalty, he added: "Not a massive amount to be honest. I knew they had encroached.

"It was between him or Reece [to take it]. Sometimes they have to feel it on the pitch. Obviously we have confidence in Kai. I wasn't watching it but delighted when I heard the roar. Taking penalties is not for me, so I am in awe of anybody [who does]."

Bellingham: Penalty retake was a joke

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, speaking to BT Sport about the penalty decision: "I've not seen the incident back, from where I was it looked pretty close, I'm not sure what more you can do with the hands."

After watching the replay, he added: "It is a yard or two away. I am not too sure. I don't want to get in trouble. That in itself was disappointing but the fact they had a retake is a joke.

"For every penalty with such a slow run up there is going to be encroachment by people running into the box by a yard or so, but that's the game. They've made the decision and we have to live with it."

Terzic: We can't complain

Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic said: "Congratulations to Chelsea. I think it was very tight game. In these kinds of games, inches or moments decide whether you go to the next round or not.

"There were some moments when we were unlucky but this is also part of the game, so we won't complain.

"I think both teams deserved to go to the next round but tonight, Chelsea scored twice, we haven't, so we can't complain about getting dropped out of the Champions League.

"If a decision takes about five or six minutes then it's not easy to make a call," he added of the decision to order the penalty retake.

"But as the manager of the team, I 'm responsible for the performance of the team and the performance of the staff, but not the performance of the referee. We didn't speak about the referee a lot last week and we won't start with that tonight."

Another Chelsea comeback - Opta stats

• Chelsea have now progressed from five Champions League knockout stage ties after losing the first leg, the joint-most of any team in the competition's history (Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid also five).
• Chelsea boss Graham Potter has become just the second English manager to win five games in a single Champions League campaign, along with Bobby Robson at Newcastle in 2002-03.
• Chelsea scored more than once in match for the first time in 13 matches in all competitions, since beating Bournemouth 2-0 in the Premier League in December.
• Borussia Dortmund have now lost their last six away games against English sides in the Champions League, since beating Arsenal 2-1 in October 2013.
• With five shots and two chances created, Kai Havertz was directly involved in over half of Chelsea's 13 shots against Borussia Dortmund in this match.

What's next for Chelsea?

Chelsea return to Premier League action with an away trip to Leicester City on Saturday, with kick-off at 3pm.

The draw for the Champions League quarter-finals takes place on March 17, with the first and second legs to be played on April 11,12 and April 18, 19.

When you note which club has homed the most recipients of the accolade, the recruitment executive's choice of opening gambit sings.

Real Madrid will position their offer to Bellingham - the most coveted young midfielder in Europe - as his opportunity to become the best player in the world at the place that breeds champions.

• Transfer Centre LIVE!
• Download the Sky Sports App
• Live football on Sky Sports

And those tasked with helping the 19-year-old make the smartest decision on his future state there is no better sales pitch: he does not care about where he could bank the biggest pay cheque, but where he'll be challenged to become the optimum version of himself.

Bellingham has not concealed this from potential suitors privately and publicly. "I want to win way more, and I want to continue to push the boundaries of my own potential and talent," he said in 2022.

Bellingham's strength of character and clarity of what he expects from his career was central to him plumping for Borussia Dortmund when he joined from Birmingham City in the summer of 2020.

Manchester United had offered more lucrative terms, gave him a tour of Carrington, and an audience with Sir Alex Ferguson. BVB distilled their push into a blueprint of how they'd aid his development and make him a full international within two years.

He'd be armed with European experience and a haul of minutes that many senior players around the continent would be envious of.

Bellingham spent months studying both clubs, as well the others that had made an approach to his dad Mark, from a purely football perspective. How did they use the ball, how did they react when losing it, where could he slot in, how would his gifts be maximised, and weaknesses eroded?

Bellingham will undergo the same process now on a different scale owing to the fee - in excess of £100m - his talent now commands.

Real's charm offensive has already begun and there is great seduction in becoming core to, as the club executive calls it, "the next all-star midfield." Casemiro is gone, Luka Modric is 37, and Toni Kroos wants to retire at the Bernabeu even though he's aware he is part of the present and past but not the future.

Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelian Tchouameni and Federico Valverde will carry Real forward, with the hierarchy of Florentino Perez, Juni Calafat and Jose Angel Sanchez wanting Bellingham to be the golden thread.

They have the European royalty angle and haven't been shy of pointing to Kylian Mbappe's misery this season following his decision to snub them and agree to an eye-watering extension at Paris Saint-Germain coated with an insane level of influence.

The France international was also told he would be front and centre for the Ballon d'Or if he joined Real, and would know how it felt to 'own the Champions League.'

Mbappe, the Spaniards say, opted for power and a swollen bank balance over "the sporting project" and it should serve as a lesson.

PSG do count a Ballon d'Or winner in Lionel Messi, but that is merely by virtue of him being registered at the club during the 2021 edition, which recognised his exploits with Argentina, and on a lesser level, Barcelona.

The only player to lift the prize outside of operating for LaLiga's behemoths was Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.

Erling Haaland could alter that statistic at their neighbours Manchester City, and it is Pep Guardiola's side that Real perceive as the most serious threat to them securing Bellingham.

Perez's fears over the might of state-funded clubs is well documented but it is not the monetary element that is concerning in this regard. City are incredibly smart, well structured, and have a degree of stability across the operation not necessarily associated with Real.

Guardiola is a long-term admirer of Bellingham, already assessing two years ago: "He's so good for 17, he's a fantastic player. There was one moment when he didn't get the ball from central defenders, how he shouts and demands that ball to him at 17 means a lot.

"I spoke with his manager, Edin Terzic, and he told me what you see in these two games is like every training session."

City are plotting a midfield refresh as Ilkay Gundogan's contract is up at the end of the season, Kevin De Bruyne is 31, and Bernardo Silva has explored options to exit the Etihad in recent campaigns. Guardiola has stressed the importance of evolution in keeping his team as the benchmark.

Bellingham already has phenomenal chemistry with Haaland on and off the pitch, while it is impossible to argue he wouldn't "win way more" and "push the boundaries of my own potential and talent" at City.

Liverpool's dossier on the England international stretches back to his time in Birmingham's academy and they are the top club most desperate for midfield surgery.

The Merseysiders are also viewed as the side who have put in the heaviest work over a long period behind the scenes to pierce the player's decision-making process.

Jürgen Klopp had admitted in the summer there was only one issue in trying to sign Bellingham: "He's not on the market, so that's the first problem with that player. Well, the only problem with that player!"

When the manager committed his future to the club until 2026, Liverpool believed it offered an extra layer of certainty and continuity to their recruitment ambitions and ability to lure prized targets.

Their lack of on-pitch identity this season and worries over whether they will finish in the top four could be problematic and undercut that - especially considering the financial outlay required to snare him. Even if Liverpool are able to remedy their form, can they afford to spend the amount being spoken about on one player given the other nips and tucks the squad needs?

In terms of whether a few months of poor play will make a massive difference, 'Team Bellingham' is known to wade through years of research on a club to get a panorama on methodology rather than make snap decisions based on either overperformance or underperformance.

Manchester United's priority this summer is enhancing their attack. They need to secure Champions League football and to sell very well in order not to fall foul of FFP.

United are unlikely to get into a bidding war for Bellingham even though they were the first big English club to believe he was going to be a standout midfielder.

A family of Bellingham friend told Sky Sports, "the way to win Jude's heart is selling the football plan to his head."

He also flagged that none of the fuss over Bellingham's future has been flamed by the Stourbridge native nor his camp. It has stemmed purely from his displays, which not only surpass those of a similar age but of the game's premier players.

Deeper than the data and the evidence of our eyes is the fact, as Guardiola touched on, that he is already a leader and craves responsibility.

Sam Manoochehri oversaw Bellingham's progress for four years as an ex-youth development coach at Birmingham City.

"I have never seen a mentality more elite than his," he assessed. "When I worked with him, when something was tough, he loved it. I can remember games when he wanted to play himself at centre-half to test himself.

"Jude would actively go and seek the challenge without having to be pushed from the coaching staff."

Michael Dodds, the academy manager at Birmingham, would add: "He always wanted better sessions, more feedback, greater challenges. Nothing was enough, because there needed to constantly be a test for him."

Across the England set-up, there is a hankering to have Bellingham at a Premier League club. There is confidence he can develop into the national team's captain and Real know the pull of returning home might trump the glory they can offer.

Bellingham is extremely relaxed about his future. Why wouldn't he be when there is no shortage of quality destinations and clubs have to convince him why they are the strongest option to help him soar.

Every academy player at BVB is reminded of these roots, taking a trip to the Yellow Wall upon signing. Traditions matter. But this is a place of innovation too, with a cutting-edge sports science department building the footballers of the future. Just whisper it.

"We are quite a traditional club," Paul Schaffran tells Sky Sports. "It is a very down-to-earth area. On the one side, the identity of the club is based on hard work and humility. On the other side, we are very technology focused."

Schaffran is the head of sports science at Dortmund's academy, based across the city from the stadium. A youthful 35, a tour of the grounds with the cap-wearing Schaffran is not quick - he stops to shake hands with every colleague, as is the custom at the club.

He is proud to be part of what happens here.

"We are a benchmark over the last decade when it comes to accompanying players on the final steps of their development into professional footballers. Players like Jadon Sancho, Gio Reyna, Christian Pulisic, Youssoufa Moukoko, Ansgar Knauff and many more.

"That has been the strength of Borussia Dortmund for years."

Under Lars Ricken, a scorer for Dortmund in the 1997 Champions League final and now head of the academy, this has become a finishing school for Europe's best talents. But what they really want to find is the next Mario Gotze, who joined at nine and went all the way.

"That is what Lars Ricken tells us every day must be our goal. Not only to bring in players at from other clubs but also to develop our own players from the youngest age groups. But it is hard to say a nine-year-old can be a Champions League player."

They are willing to innovate to make it happen. Perhaps you have heard of the footbonaut, a contraption housed inside its own building at the training ground for almost a decade now. "Jurgen Klopp was the guy who started that," says Schaffran. It has been a big success.

What might have been seen as a gimmick when introduced remains integral to the academy coaching at Dortmund, booked out daily between 4pm and 8pm as players build up their hours in contact with the ball. It is fired at them in at all angles. Reactions are tested.

"The emphasis is on perception, decision-making, working on the weaker foot. What pace is the ball coming at? What spin is on the ball? What angle is it coming at? It is about visual scanning and a clean first contact, and then it is the space that you can create.

"Let us say that you play five minutes in the footbonaut. That is 40 to 50 balls that you play. If they train three times per week for half an hour in the footbonaut, they will have more touches in there than they will have in the whole week in game situations."

As a player is put through his paces in the footbonaut, the attention is drawn to his boots. "There is a sensor on the foot, tracking the technical movement," Schaffran explains. "It tells you how many touches they have with each foot and the kicking speed."

The collection of this data has allowed Dortmund to develop benchmarks for their academy players. Not only can these be used to compare individuals but a series of tests help them to identify which areas each young player needs to focus on improving.

"We start our cognitive training at the age of eleven, looking at eye movements, perception, visual scanning. We have been focusing on this cognitive criteria for six or seven years now, so we have data on all of our players that we collect two or three times a year.

"Twice a year, for example, our players will go in the footbonaut and play 32 balls in a standardised setting. Sixteen on the right side and 16 on the left side. Sixteen in front and 16 behind. In the end, you can see how fast and precise they act in each area.

"We have an average score and we often see a big difference in perception between the right side and the left side. If their scanning is not good on one side then their reactions will not be as good on that side. Most of the time it is not about the technique."

There is a growing appreciation of the importance of scanning in football, a realisation that a player's awareness of what is around them can be the difference between good and great. It has led to Dortmund implementing a virtual reality tool to help train that.

The Be Your Best software is similar to the FIFA games but through the use of a VR headset is totally immersive, testing players' scanning ability in various situations. Since September, the first cohort of Dortmund academy players are using them to accelerate their learning.

"It is not just the number of scans but the timing of them," Schaffran explains. "For me, the timing of them is much more important than the number. If you let the players train on Be Your Best, they can get a feel for when they are able to do their scan.

"When the ball is free, when there has been a long pass from player A to player B, that is the right time for me to do a scan. The next question is where you are scanning. Is it the left shoulder or the right shoulder? Where is the blind spot?

• Transfer Centre | Paper Talk
• Download the Sky Sports App | Get Sky Sports

"I talked with our U19 coach. He says that if a midfielder only looks over their left shoulder for years and years then it is pretty easy to stop them because they will never turn to their right because they are unable to get any information on that side.

"We need them to be flexible. A full-back might be playing in the centre in a few years, or the other way around, so it is important that they have no blind spot in terms of their scanning. It is important they can see what is happening on all sides of the pitch."

Many would argue that this is no substitute for playing - and Schaffran agrees. "Time on the training ground is limited because they have school. The U12s are at our training ground for about 15 hours a week. They should be on the pitch for as long as possible."

But that is one of the advantages of virtual reality. It increases the total hours of training. "If you have a solution like Be Your Best I can say that once per week you come early and you can also train for five hours per week at home. You can do those extra hours."

And sometimes show just works better than tell. "Another advantage is that they can see what is important in visual scanning. I can tell them it is important but if you go into a VR environment and do a loop 100 or 200 times then that has a big improvement."

Dortmund have noticed the results already. The footbonaut prepares players for the pitch. Now, Be Your Best prepares them for the footbonaut. "That adaptation is fast. After 10 to 15 sessions with Be Your Best there will be an improvement in the footbonaut."

Importantly, the academy players enjoy it. "They absolutely love it. They would do more if they could." There are plans to make that happen, expanding the use beyond those housed on-site at the club's boarding house to include all 240 players in the academy.

Just do not expect Dortmund to shout about it unless asked. "Look on our website," adds Schaffran. "There is no mention of virtual reality, bio-banding training, ultrasound bone measurements or other innovations."

An old-school football club at the vanguard of new ideas.

In an incredible reversal since the restart after the World Cup, Dortmund - with England midfielder Jude Bellingham at the heart of their team - have leapt from sixth to first, capping a run of nine wins and a draw in their 10 matches so far in 2023 with a 6-1 thumping of Cologne before the international break.

A day later, Bayern caved to a 2-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen - a result and performance which left them reeling in second and cost Julian Nagelsmann his job.

It was a sacking which shocked German football, especially given the team's superb performances in the Champions League this term, but demonstrated the nervousness in the Bayern hierarchy about the prospect of their 10-season streak of Bundesliga titles coming to an end.

Those two results meant Dortmund are top of the standings for the first time since August 2019. "The hunted has become the hunter," said Bayern forward Thomas Muller this week about his side's reversal of fortunes.

Dortmund are just nine games away from a first league title since 2011/12. But their next fixture is the most decisive - and a man who knows them better than most will be in the opposition dugout plotting their downfall.

Former Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel was swiftly installed as Naglesmann's replacement at Bayern. He led Dortmund to a German Cup success in 2017 but a first Bundesliga crown is now in his sights.

Given the suddenness of Nagelsmann's departure, Tuchel only began working with the Bayern squad on Monday - and will not have had contact with many of the club's players until later in the week due to their international team commitments.

• Julian Nagelsmann: The 'young, loud, mastermind' in Spurs' sights
• Live Bundesliga football on Sky Sports | Bayern host Dortmund
• Bundesliga fixtures | Results | Table

That leaves him with little time to imprint his ideas on the group but his instant impact at Chelsea could be an indication of what his initial approach at Bayern will be.

When Tuchel arrived mid-season at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea went on to concede just twice in the next 14 games. It was an astonishing record. He's now at a Bayern side who are in need of similar defensive stability.

Bayern have conceded in eight of their 10 league games this calendar year and cannot afford to provide space for a Dortmund attack which is on fire. The visitors are top scorers since the World Cup.

The pace of the Dortmund attack will be a particular worry for Tuchel. Karim Adeyemi, who broke the Bundesliga top-speed record earlier this season, sums up their ability to burst forward at lightning quick pace. Expect Tuchel to shut down the space, with a deep defence.

• Get Sky Sports | Get NOW to stream biggest moments
• Download the Sky Sports app

A back three could appear more like a back five for long periods of this game for Bayern, as Tuchel aims to maintain control and arrest a slide in the team's defensive performances.

It was a feature of Tuchel's Chelsea sides - although, unlike in London, where he seemed uncertain of who should link-up in the front three, Bayern's attacking output will ensure plenty of firepower at the other end. The hosts on Saturday are top scorers in the Bundesliga this season.

Bayern have won the least eight Klassikers played in Munich and will be desperate to reclaim the top spot they feel is theirs. But will their manager change be the gear shift they need to stop the momentum built up by this Dortmund side?

Bayern Munich's key man: Alphonso Davies

Dortmund's key man: Jude Bellingham

How to watch Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund with Sky Sports

Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund kicks off at 5.30pm on Saturday and you can watch the game live on Sky Sports Football HD, with build up beginning at 5.20pm. You will also be able to stream the game on the Sky Sports App.

Remember, you can follow the Bundesliga season on Sky Sports - Confirmed Bundesliga fixtures live on Sky Sports

What makes Bayern Munich versus Borussia Dortmund such a special rivalry?

"I think it is about the history. The two most successful clubs in Germany and also right now this is first against second in the Bundesliga. The last 10 titles have gone to Bayern, 2011 and 2012 went to Dortmund. They are the two strongest teams. That is the reason why we call it the German Klassiker."

What are your memories of the 2013 Champions League final between the two clubs?

"It was the most important Klassiker because it was the Champions League final with two German clubs. It is like Barca against Real or Milan against Inter.

"At this time, Bayern is the top dog and Dortmund is the challenger. But Dortmund had won the championship in 2011 and 2012 so it was very important not to lose the Champions League final in 2013.

"They had also beaten us in 2012 in the German Cup final so the pressure on us was very high for our generation. But it was a great and very important final for us at Bayern Munich."

Do you think that elevated the rivalry in the eyes of the world?

"For sure, it is the biggest stage in club football. I think it was the first time that two German teams were in the final. It was very important. Also, for the German players, the experience we had was very important for the national team at the World Cup in 2014."

What other matches against Dortmund stand out in your career?

"In a negative way, the 2012 cup final. We lost 5-2. As a captain at Bayern Munich, when you grew up there, you always have to win. This mindset is very important. So when you lose like that it was shocking. But it was also I think a game changer.

"We lost the championship, the cup final and after that the Champions League. After that, we focused even more on the essentials after this horrible year."

Can Dortmund beat Bayern this time?

"Dortmund is in a very strong phase. I think, for the whole Bundesliga, it is very good that Dortmund has this period and it is very close at the top. I think that is important for the Bundesliga.

"Because of this phase, Dortmund have confidence. They will come to Munich to win. That is important. But I know Munich. In these top matches, they have the experience and the players. So we will see. I am looking forward to it."

What are your thoughts on Bayern sacking Julian Nagelsmann?

"For me, it was a surprise because it was only 18 to 20 months ago that Munich gave him a five-year contract. They believed in him. He is a very promising young coach. But also for Bayern Munich their decision is always strong because they want to win and if they see something goes wrong they act.

"It is not easy for me to speak about the work that he was doing from the outside. But the time was too short, I think. For a coach to develop something in the club, it was too short. The top coaches need time. If I look at Pep [Guardiola] or to [Jurgen] Klopp at Liverpool, he needed time. More than 10, 12, 15 months."

Bayern have drawn Manchester City in the Champions League…

"It is a quarter-final in the Champions League that has two top teams. That is normal, I think, in the quarter-final. But if you play against your former coach it is special, for sure. Everyone knows Pep's own signature, I would say. After a few months, you see the Pep style in the team with a lot of ball possession. And the positioning of the players is special."

Do you think it is fair that some will say Pep Guardiola has failed if he does not win the Champions League?

"I think it is not about fairness. It is the curse of his success. He won four Premier League titles in five years. It is unbelievable. Everyone asks whether he can win the Champions League outside of Barcelona. I think he will win the Champions League in the future, but maybe when everyone says he will never win it again. Maybe then it will happen."

What do you think of Harry Kane being linked with Bayern?

"Harry Kane is a game-changing centre-forward, a clear No 9 but also with technical skills. He is a very good striker. I think he would really be an outstanding fit for Bayern Munich. For this position, Bayern has always had very good international strikers like Robert Lewandowski so we will see. I am looking forward to seeing what will happen."

And has Jude Bellingham impressed you?

"Firstly, he is a very good talented player but he also has the responsibility for the club, for the team. I think he is an outstanding talent.

"What I also think is important for these top guys is to play week after week at a top club and Dortmund are a top team, they play in the Champions League all the time and are fighting for the championship. I am happy that the Bundesliga always has talented young players."

Where is the next Bundesliga superstar coming from?

"The normal places. Bellingham, Jamal Musiala. A German player who was injured is Florian Wirtz, a very young player at Bayer Leverkusen, very good talent. But as I said it is a characteristic of the Bundesliga to have many talented young players."

How about Union Berlin's success. Can you explain it?

"It is always discipline, discipline. That is the most important thing for Union Berlin. They work hard against the ball. And they have very good standards. That is the combination."

Thoughts on Xabi Alonso's work at Leverkusen?

"Firstly, I enjoyed playing with him and standing together with him on the pitch because he understands football. It was so good to play with him with his experience on the pitch. And now he has that same passion, the same things he learned as a player, as a coach."

Who is the next great full-back in world football?

"It is hard to say one name. I think the most important thing is to play at the highest level over years. That is very important. Then, you are a top player at a high level if you can improve but also play every week at a top level.

"We will see who will be the next best full-back, but if I look back, Cafu and [Bixente] Lizarazu played for 20 years in this position. They had big experience in this position with their clubs and also their national team. I think that is very important."

Watch Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund live on Sky Sports Football this Saturday; kick-off 5.30pm

The Bavarians, who face Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals, were in ominous form as they went back into top spot on 55 points, leaving Dortmund two behind in second place with eight matches remaining.

• Julian Nagelsmann: The 'young, loud, mastermind' in Spurs' sights
• Live Bundesliga football on Sky Sports
• Bundesliga fixtures

With Tuchel, who also coached Dortmund from 2015-2017, having replaced Julian Nagelsmann on the Bayern bench, the hosts were all over their title rivals from the start.

They went in front thanks to Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel's 13th-minute howler when he completely miskicked his attempt to clear a Dayot Upamecano punt from the Bayern half and saw the ball roll into the net for an own goal.

Before Dortmund managed to regroup, Bayern scored again with Thomas Mueller turning the ball in with his hip at the far post after a Joshua Kimmich corner was headed on by Matthijs de Ligt in the 18th minute.

Kobel's comeback from a five-week injury break turned into a complete nightmare five minutes later as he punched a Leroy Sane shot into the path of Mueller to score an easy tap-in that left the Dortmund players in complete disbelief.

The visitors' ordeal was not over, with Bayern scoring seemingly at will and Kingsley Coman racing in to slot in their fourth goal six minutes after the restart.

With Dortmund's defence torn to shreds and club bosses frozen in their seats at the Allianz Arena, Bayern never took their foot off the gas.

Some sloppy finishing, however, saw them squander half a dozen golden chances in the second half before Dortmund struck twice late in the game, with an Emre Can penalty in the 72nd minute and a stoppage-time effort from Donyell Malen.

Tuchel, who previously also coached Paris St Germain and Chelsea, could not have dreamt of a better start with Bayern on course for a record-stretching 11th league crown.

Union Berlin are third on 51 after a 3-0 win over VfB Stuttgart.

Why then, have the Premier League club ended their pursuit of Jude Bellingham - a player they have prized above all others for the better part of three years?

The noises from Anfield suggest the decision is practical, which if viewed in isolation, is a fair stance. The scale of work needing to be done means spending in excess of £100m on one talent - regardless of how phenomenal he is - would not be wise for a business that operates within its means.

• Liverpool end Bellingham interest | 'Not the right strategy'
• Why did Liverpool end Bellingham chase? | 'Could they have spent less on Nunez?'
• Transfer Centre LIVE! Are Liverpool right to end Bellingham chase? Have your say!

However, Liverpool have spent a succession of transfer windows ignoring the obvious need to fortify midfield due to waiting on "the right player". That had long become code for Bellingham, who Jurgen Klopp previously admitted the club hadn't signed solely on account of him not being available.

The big play was being saved for this summer. In the interim, other targets have been missed out on, a season has been skewered, a more severe transition awaits, and Liverpool's negotiating position has been severely weakened by selling clubs alive to how badly they need to strengthen.

Why has it taken the Merseysiders such a while, with so much sacrificed, to deduce what was obvious? Bellingham was always going to cost mega-money.

The only senior option recruited permanently to Liverpool's midfield since 2018 has been Thiago Alcantara, and a rejuvenation of the department - especially factoring in the exhausted legs and injury issues of it - has been necessary for a while.

Perhaps Klopp's desperation to land Bellingham lost to the growing realisation that securing Champions League football - and the finances it brings - is now beyond the club.

But if there wasn't an obsession that only one player can cure an ill, would Liverpool even be in the position to plan for life outside of Europe's elite?

This is not territory that they have suddenly found themselves in. The club have sleepwalked to this point, waving away the warning signs amid the success delivered by players who went again and again and again - and are now spent.

In fact, in the summer of 2021, some of Liverpool's recruitment team were flagging that the squad was veering away from the 'right football age.' They felt blanket new contract extensions were not the best strategy for a spine that had multiple seasons of exacting football taking its toll on their bodies and minds.

The starters needed to be supplemented in a slow build of the 'next great team'. Instead, Liverpool neglected their most pressing need.

When Aurelien Tchouameni chose Real Madrid as his destination instead of Anfield last summer, the club didn't pivot.

Ryan Gravenberch, who was also on the shortlist, had already been snapped up by Bayern Munich. Other options were passed on to be patient for the right player: remember the code.

A panicked loan move for injury-hit Arthur Melo on the final day of the window to cure an injury crisis in the centre of the park was the club's only move.

How did the smartest guys in the room get to this point? Liverpool have previously admitted that building a team to compete is an easier task than rebuilding one that has reached the summit and set a new benchmark.

They've made an already loaded assignment more punishing by leaving so much to do in one summer. Over the past year, Liverpool have spent £180m on their attack while now facing a near full overhaul of midfield, and the requirement for at least one top defensive signing.

Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner (37) will be out of contract. Jordan Henderson is 32, Fabinho's drop-off has been stark, Thiago's unavailability is a (predictable) problem, while Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones are not finished articles.

Again, none of this is news. It would explain why some have greeted the Bellingham update with scepticism, believing it to be a ploy from Liverpool to drive down his price.

That negates the reality that Dortmund don't need to sell the England international, and also have Real Madrid and Manchester City ready to spend on him, with Manchester United exploring that possibility.

Unless Bellingham has made it crystalline that it is Liverpool or bust, there is no negotiating hand.

Without a drastic change in circumstances, the situation reads like a club that held on to an ideal scenario for too long even when they were a version of the 'This is Fine' meme.

They have arrived at the right conclusion - one excellent buy isn't going to put out a myriad of fires, especially if he's very expensive and the process might drag out - but via the wrong approach in the last few windows.

It is hard to envisage how Liverpool adequately redesign their midfield without having to flex financial muscle. Mason Mount, shaping up to be a primary target, is valued at £70m by Chelsea.

Brighton rejected that figure from Arsenal for Moises Caicedo, widely appreciated by the Reds' recruitment team, and would expect far more for him and Alexis Mac Allister given the season they've had. The pair will not be short of suitors, while Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella is reported to be more moderately priced at around £50m.

Liverpool could return to Gravenberch, who is disillusioned with his lack of minutes at Bayern, and have been assessing Salzburg's Luka Sucic as well as Teun Koopmeiners from Atalanta.

Bellingham, meanwhile, has the freedom of deciding to stay at Dortmund to develop for another season or choose between Real or City.

United's priority is bringing in a top forward and they need to be mindful of FFP, but if Bellingham was to be open to their interest, the club would not hesitate on a player they went all in for in 2020.

As revealed by Sky Sports News last November, Real believe their pitch to Bellingham is unmatched: win the Ballon d'Or and become European royalty at the Bernabeu. It is Pep Guardiola's side that the Spaniards perceive as the most serious threat to them securing the 19-year-old.

Bellingham has his pick, Liverpool need a mix.

Liverpool target Rice, Caicedo as Bellingham alternatives

Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo are on Liverpool's shortlist of Jude Bellingham alternatives, according to Sky Germany, as the club look for midfield reinforcements.

Liverpool have ended their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund's teenage midfielder over the German club's £100m asking price.

Although they are long-time admirers of Bellingham, Liverpool believe such a big outlay on just one player is not the right strategy to rectify the drop-off in form they've suffered this season.

Liverpool will be active in this summer's window as they look to overhaul their squad and are targeting at least two new midfielders.

Sky Germany reports that along with West Ham's Rice and Brighton's Caicedo, the Reds will be looking at Inter's Nicolo Barella, Wolves' Matheus Nunes and Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch.

Six goals and five assists in 705 minutes of Bundesliga action in 2023 means that Adeyemi has been involved in a Dortmund goal every 64 minutes. It is a better record than anyone else in Germany this year. Better than anyone in Europe's major leagues this year.

That does not even include his sensational solo winner against Chelsea in the Champions League. The form of this flying winger - a man who can claim to be faster than Usain Bolt at his peak over 30 metres - is all the more remarkable given his slow start at the club.

The summer signing from Red Bull Salzburg did not score his first Bundesliga goal until January. "Last year was really hard for me and the team. We did not have a good six months. We did not play good and I did not play good," Adeyemi tells Sky Sports.

"Of course, you need time to [adjust to] this quality. I think I adapted quite well but in my first game I got my injury and after that it is quite hard to come back. But I was motivated for the next six months. I never gave up and now I can be really proud of myself."

Belatedly, he has settled on the pitch and off it. A popular figure with his team-mates, bonding over a shared love of anime, he has even launched his own podcast in conversation with a childhood pal. The move to Dortmund feels like it was the right choice.

"I feel at home and that is the most important," he says. But when Adeyemi points out that "everybody knows the city because of the club" it is a reminder that committing his future here was a strategic football decision. This is the best place for his development.

"I think step by step," he explains. "I think what is the best thing that I can do for myself, for my journey. Dortmund was the perfect club."

Even the move to Salzburg, having been with Bayern Munich as a young boy, was all part of the plan. In a sense, Adeyemi is emulating Erling Haaland by following that same path from Salzburg to Dortmund but he actually made the move to Austria first.

"The most important thing for a young guy is to play. They have a second team who play against adults. I played in the second league as a 16-year-old, a lot of games. I adapted to men's football and this is what is important for a young player.

"If you develop you can play in the first team of Salzburg and they play Champions League or Europa League. That is a great thing for a young player and you learn a lot. There are really good players in Salzburg and, for me, it was the best move that I could do."

What those experienced defenders must have made of this particular youngster, one can only imagine. The Bolt comparison is no idle boast. Adeyemi has been clocked at 3.60 seconds over 30 metres. Bolt's split time in his world-record run was 3.78.

Does Adeyemi really believe he is the quickest there is? "Yes, I think so. I am very confident with that." Is there nobody close? "Close, maybe. But not faster." Could the 2024 Olympics be an option? He laughs. "No, I don't think so. I cannot. I am focusing on football."

• Get Sky Sports | Download the Sky Sports app

Being inside the stadium for his goal against Chelsea was a visceral thrill, an intake-of-breath moment as he made Enzo Fernandez look sluggish. The roar from the crowd let Adeyemi and everyone else know that there really is no sight like him in full flow.

"The stadium is just incredible to play in. Every time I come on the pitch for the warm-up I get goosebumps all the time. If you have fans like this who have your back it is always more fun to play. If 80,000 people scream your name after the goal, it is very nice."

He is not the only young talent that the Dortmund crowd has the chance to salute, of course. In Jude Bellingham, there is a superstar in the making. "What I love to say is that the ball loves him and he loves the ball back. So, everything he does is quite magic."

Adeyemi describes him as unbelievable with the ball and just as good without it. After discussing this ability to score and assist, attack and defend, he settles on the simplest summary when contemplating what Bellingham can do. "Almost everything, I think."

There is praise for another young English player at Dortmund too. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, 18, has enjoyed a breakthrough season. "He has no fear. For me, he is one of the best players one-against-one I have ever seen, to be honest. He will be a really good player."

It will be interesting to find out what type of player Adeyemi will become. In Salzburg, he played as a striker and believes he could do it again. "I think I can play in almost any position in the offensive line," he says. "But right now I am thinking as a winger."

Asked to describe his own game, he says: "I think to get on the nerves of the defenders all the time with one-against-one or runs behind the defenders. Being there where the defender cannot see me. Getting assists, getting goals. This, I think, is my game."

It could yet be enough to carry Dortmund to the Bundesliga title. They have been the strongest side in the second half of the season, picking up eight more points than Bayern. But they still find themselves one point behind with three games to play.

"I think we have to win our last three games and hopefully Bayern will lose some points and we will get the championship." There is no margin for error. But there is a chance. "We can smell the opportunity. Every game is important. Every game is a final."

Two of their final three fixtures are at home, starting with Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday. The excitement in Dortmund is building. "We can feel it every time we step on the pitch." But it is not weighing on him. "It is not pressure. It is just motivation."

For Adeyemi, his debut season with the club, one that had failed to ignite at the halfway stage, could yet end in glory. We know what that would mean to Borussia Dortmund and their supporters. But what would it mean to him? "Almost everything," he says.

Watch Borussia Dortmund vs Borussia Monchengladbach live on Sky Sports Mix this Saturday; kick-off 5.30pm

There are 200 seats in the press box but the number of applications has hit 1000. Fan interest is even more intense. "You can imagine how many requests I have had," says sporting director Sebastian Kehl. How many could they sell? "Perhaps 500,000," he adds.

Dortmund has been waiting for this. German football has been waiting for this. The irony of that moment arriving in this of all seasons is not lost on Kehl or the club. A new sporting director. A new head coach. And scoring sensation Erling Haaland sold.

His replacement last summer was Sebastien Haller. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer during pre-season. That was bigger than football and, ultimately, it has galvanised and inspired. But in the short term it also presented a football problem.

Haller could not play until his dramatic return in January. At that stage, Karim Adeyemi, the other major forward acquisition of the summer, had yet to score either. Dortmund had gone into the World Cup break languishing in sixth. A title win was implausible.

And yet, here they are. Uncharacteristically, Bayern have faltered. More importantly, Dortmund have capitalised. They won their first eight Bundesliga games of 2023 and have picked up 10 more points than any other team since the turn of the year.

"The season was like a rollercoaster," says Kehl, a man who won the title three times with Dortmund as a player. The end is now in sight. "Hopefully, we can show the whole world that we well deserve to be champion after a decade of Bayern Munich."

• Watch Bundesliga's most tantalising title race go to final day on Sky Sports

Dortmund's obsession with football

There are prettier cities in Germany than Dortmund but that has always been part of its appeal. Football is the focus. As Adeyemi puts it, "everybody knows the city because of the club" - and everybody knows the club because of the passion of its supporters.

Paul Lambert is no longer the best British midfielder to play for Dortmund. He rates Jude Bellingham as the best teenager in the position that he has ever seen. But his experience of winning the Champions League with the club in 1997 gives him a rare insight.

Twenty-six years on, memories remain of the aftermath. Not just of Borsigplatz, the square that is the traditional focal point of Dortmund's celebrations, but of the long drive after landing at Paderborn airport and the supporters who lined the city's streets.

"I remember thinking, wow. All I saw was yellow and black. I never saw any colour other than yellow and black. They were hanging out of windows, on traffic lights, on top of cars. It was thousands and thousands of people and I have never seen anything like it."

Lambert had been there all season, building an affinity with the fans who identified, he believes, with his working-class Glasgow roots. But this was different. "I knew it from the stadium but what I never realised was what would happen if you won something."

In a place like that, the wait can feel interminable. Particularly when their 2021 cup success could not be celebrated as it should have been, due to the pandemic. It is six years since they were able to enjoy any trophy on the streets of the city. This would be cathartic.

It would also be huge. So huge that, while it might seem presumptuous, as coach and players focus on the game, Kehl's energy is also going into what happens next. This is about Saturday but Sunday too - and the biggest party Dortmund has ever seen.

"As a club, of course we need to organise stuff for Sunday." He has also ensured the players' families all have their tickets for the game. That can be a distraction. "My experience helped me to bring that to an end before Saturday." He wants minds on the job.

"They should realise that this is a huge opportunity for them but also for our city," he explains. "I have to pay attention to much more things than I did as a player, as a captain. But the feeling is much the same. You can make people happy at Dortmund."

Problems early in the season

Kehl has had an extraordinary first year in this job. When he says "this was not an easy season for me" it feels like an understatement. The pressure was on with players struggling to settle, a team unable to gel. Asked by Sky Sports, if it required patience, he is frank.

"Honestly, we were not patient in that moment. I think it hurt the players a lot that we were sixth in the table in November. This is not the expectation from the club. This is not the expectation of the players who play for Borussia Dortmund."

He was questioned too. Predecessor Michael Zorc might not have delivered the title since 2012 but he had qualified for the Champions League seven times in a row. Now even that was at risk and there were doubts about how the money had been spent.

Kehl uses the word "nervous" before retracting it. "We were very unhappy. Criticised for our performance, for our poor performance in some ways, to be honest. We had many problems, many injuries." But he insists he always believed in the quality of the squad.

A training camp in Marbella is now seen as a turning point. There were honest conversations. A realisation that hard work was the only solution. "Performance is not a present, it is hard work," says Kehl. "I think that was crucial, that the mindset changed."

The team that emerged in January was different. "They were much more focused. The self-confidence came back." But the personnel were a little different too. Dortmund were boosted by the return of Haller. It is the one of the feel-good stories of the season.

Haller's 'miracle' comeback

Haller's first Bundesliga start for Dortmund inside their own stadium came in the first week of February. He marked the occasion with a goal in front of the famous Yellow Wall in a 5-1 win over Freiburg. The whole team ran to celebrate the moment with him.

"It is like a miracle that he was back after such a disease," says Kehl.

It also transformed Dortmund's play. Others had deputised, Anthony Modeste scoring a vital late equaliser against Bayern that has proved crucial in the title race. But Haller is already the club's joint-top scorer in the Bundesliga despite playing only half a season.

"He gives them a focal point," says Lambert. "People can play off him. He is a big lad who can hold the ball up, play people in. He can also finish. Dortmund having him has been a revelation in the last half of the season. It has given them something different."

Haller has been particularly important during the run-in. His five goals in three games have fired them to the brink of the title. "We missed him for a long time. There was a reason Sebastien Haller was signed by us after we lost Haaland to Man City," says Kehl.

"He is a great player but he is not only a great player, he is a great personality. He could show that in that crisis he had. What a person. I do not think any one of us can imagine how he felt in that time.

"But he came back. And he scored."

Impact of Adeyemi

Adeyemi had been around in the first part of the season but the young player who claims to be quicker than Usain Bolt over 30 metres was not himself. It was not just that he did not score a Bundesliga goal before Christmas, there were no assists either.

Those electric performances have finally come in 2023. When he broke his Bundesliga duck, he scored in the next two as well. Half a dozen goals in eight games reflects Haller's influence on others but also his own focus. It has helped reinvigorate Dortmund.

"You need time to get involved in this quality," Adeyemi tells Sky Sports. "Last year was really hard for me and for the team also. We did not have a good six months. For myself, I can also say I did not play good. This year, I had some things to do and this is what I did."

Magic of Bellingham

The constant has been Bellingham. He remains a special talent. "What I love to say is that the ball loves him and he loves the ball back," says Adeyemi. "Everything he does is quite magic." And what exactly does he do? "Almost everything, I think."

At 19, Bellingham has started more Bundesliga games for Dortmund than anyone else this season, driving the team on, raising standards, demanding more from himself and others. The veteran Mats Hummels is still key but Bellingham has emerged as a leader too.

Lambert regards him as "without a doubt the best 19-year-old midfielder I have seen" and says he can be whatever he wants. That could yet take him elsewhere but Kehl does not doubt his commitment right now. "To be part of a title is everything to him."

Role of fan-turned-coach Terzic

If there is a man it means more to, that man is head coach Edin Terzic. Lambert first came across him when was Slaven Bilic's assistant manager at West Ham. "I knew he was a Dortmund fan then. Because he told me." Emphatically, this is his club.

Kehl describes him as a child of Dortmund. "Born and raised here in our club, in our scouting department, as an assistant coach. He understands the club. He identifies with the club and has its values." He was the right man at the right time to lead Dortmund.

• Transfer Centre LIVE! | Get Sky Sports

His standing will increase with a Bundesliga title and he is not alone in that. This could change the game for Dortmund. The sporting director is already thinking about prospective conversations with players and agents. "It will have an impact," says Kehl.

"We can show the players that it is not only to develop them and to sell them at some point, but we are able to win trophies. To show that we have the environment, the power, the capacity to win titles is massively important for me to bring players to Dortmund."

A new dawn in the Bundesliga?

Bellingham's exit may prove to be inevitable but there is hope that this can be a platform for change in the Bundesliga rather than a blip for Bayern. "It is good for everybody that the competition in our league is still there," says Kehl. "I am pretty optimistic."

He remained so even when Dortmund were beaten away to Bayern last month, their only Bundesliga defeat of the year. At the time, it was seen as a potentially decisive moment, the day on which the champions had reasserted their authority.

"I know the stories were made again. Is it Bayern Munich again who destroys our dream? It was like a kick on that matchday. But we have not lost our dream. I am pretty proud that the team has come back. Now we have everything in our hands."

In their way now, only Mainz. In Mainz's way, the wall of noise that is the sudtribune at Signal Iduna Park and a city united. Given Bayern's long reign, one might expect to detect some fear that there could be a twist in this tale, that there is still time for it go wrong.

It is not apparent. From the logistical planning for the day after the game to the sense of togetherness among fans, players, head coach, sporting director, and the club legends watching on from afar, there is only excitement and conviction that this is their moment.

"When I was there a few weeks ago, there was a really good feeling," says Lambert, who met with Terzic and the players after the win over Union Berlin. "The belief is there. What I have sensed from going to watch Dortmund is that there is no fear factor.

"That is why the crowd are so important. I have never gone to a Dortmund game, when playing there or watching the guys, and felt any negativity in that stadium. That is why I think they will win it. The crowd will not be nervy." And so, neither will the players.

"It is not pressure," says Adeyemi. "Just motivation."

And that motivation is why this momentum feels irresistible.

"Everybody wants to be in the stadium," adds Kehl. "Everybody wants to share this moment with the players. It is up to them on Saturday to win the game first. We are ready to do it one more time.

"And then, there is no better place to celebrate than Dortmund."

Watch Borussia Dortmund vs Mainz on Sky Sports Mix or for free on Sky Sports app and YouTube.

City will play Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals - with the first leg at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday - after reaching the last eight for the sixth successive season, but they are yet to lift the trophy.

The closest City came was under Guardiola two years ago, when they made their only appearance, to date, in the final but lost 1-0 to Chelsea in Porto.

• Man City fixtures | Results
• Champions League fixtures | Results
• Download the Sky Sports app

Guardiola won the Champions League twice during his time in charge of Barcelona and he accepts the expectation since he arrived in England has been that he will guide City to European glory, saying: "We want to try.

"It’s an honour to be here, against an elite club like Bayern Munich. We are happy to be here.

"You have to deserve it. Six, seven years ago when I arrived here - ‘you are here to win the Champions League’. It comes every season.

"We tried every season but there are teams you face who are good too, and they want to win it too.

"We want to try but that doesn’t mean we’re going to win. Jack Nicklaus, how many majors did he play in his career? 120? How many did he win? Eighteen - wow. He lost more than he won.

"Michael Jordan, the best athlete, won six NBA titles. How many years did he play? Sixteen? He lost more than he won.

"These games are so difficult. The important thing is to be here, compete well and do our best.

"If I lose, I lose. I’m not perfect."

Pep: 'Creative' Tuchel won't come for a draw

Bayern were coached by Julian Nagelsmann when the quarter-final draw was made, but last month replaced their manager with Thomas Tuchel - who was in charge of Chelsea when they beat City in the final in 2021.

Tuchel has won two and lost one of his three games in charge of Bayern so far, but Guardiola insists he is more focused on his own side than anything his opponent may or may not have up his sleeve.

"Both are so creative with the shape of their formations and the shape they play," Guardiola said when asked about the differences between Nagelsmann and Tuchel.

"We’ve seen the shape of Bayern Munich that Tuchel has played, but maybe tomorrow he’s going to do something new. Always we try to figure it out.

"They have quality in all departments. It would have been difficult with Nagelsmann and it will be difficult with Tuchel.

"But at the same time, I don’t pay much attention to them and try to focus on our team."

Bayern have the benefit of playing the second leg in Munich next week but Guardiola, who won three consecutive Bundesliga titles during his time in charge of the German giants, dismissed any suggestion that Tuchel would come to the Etihad with a defensive game plan.

"Bayern is not a team built just to think it’s going to happen in the second leg," said the City boss. "They will come here to win.

"From my experience when I was there, it doesn’t matter where you play - you have to be Bayern Munich and try to win.

"If they defend more than usual it’s because we are doing well, not because their approach is to come here and sit back."

Tuchel: Pep is unique | 'I hope I can sleep!'

Tuchel admitted he has had trouble sleeping in the build-up to Bayern's Champions League tie against City.

Bayern boss Tuchel revealed he was hoping for an early night following his team's arrival in Manchester but conceded that might not be possible as he mulls over his tactical plans.

The former Chelsea manager said: "I will try to go to bed early. I just hope I will be able to sleep.

"The best preparation is sleep but sometimes it is hard to get that sleep when you're thinking about things.

"This morning I woke up really early and I just decided to go to the training ground because I couldn't get back to sleep. I just kept thinking about the match."

Tuchel will be coming up against City boss Pep Guardiola for the 11th time in his managerial career.

The German has won just three of their previous encounters but one of them was the 2021 final, when he guided Chelsea to an unexpected victory over City.

Tuchel said: "I don't think I can learn much from other games I've played against Pep.

"It's unique what Pep does. We'll try to find solutions but we'll need a complete performance to create problems for City.

"We did not mention this (2021) final and we will not do it. That would feel very awkward for me. We focus now on our team."

Tuchel's return bad news for Guardiola and City?

Sky Sports' Joe Shread:

Thomas Tuchel's surprise appointment as Bayern Munich manager certainly wasn't great news for Julian Nagelsmann, but it wasn't ideal for Pep Guardiola, either.

With less than three weeks to go until he welcomed the German champions to the Etihad, Guardiola would have been preparing to face an under-pressure manager against whom he has a 100 per cent record.

But instead, Bayern's ruthless decision to replace Nagelsmann with Tuchel presents Guardiola and City with a very different challenge - and one they may not be relishing.

Tuchel, of course, was the manager who denied City their first Champions League title in 2021 when he guided Chelsea to a 1-0 victory in Porto.

In fact, that win was the third Chelsea recorded over City in the space of six weeks, with Tuchel's side also defeating Guardiola's in the FA Cup semi-finals and during a Premier League meeting in Manchester.

But while those games - particularly the Champions League final, which was Tuchel and Guardiola's only previous meeting in the competition - suggested the German has the upper hand over the Spaniard, results before and after the spring of 2021 show otherwise.

Guardiola first encountered Tuchel when he himself was in charge of Bayern and his opponent was at Mainz, with the Bundesliga giants winning both encounters.

Guardiola also claimed the bragging rights during Tuchel's time at Borussia Dortmund, with Bayern winning two - a 5-1 thrashing in the league and a thrilling 4-3 victory in the cup final - and drawing one of their meetings.

It was during this time that the two managers struck up a close relationship, despite being in charge of rival clubs.

As the author Marti Perarnau wrote in his book Pep Guardiola: The Evolution, Guardiola was "fulsome in his praise" for Tuchel's Dortmund - despite the fact Bayern had just beaten them 5-1 - and arranged to go for dinner together the week after the game.

The two men continued to offer warm words to each other during their public appearances once Tuchel joined Guardiola in England, with the then-Chelsea boss saying: "I have the highest respect for Pep. [His work] is something I hugely admire and this will never change."

But what did change was Tuchel's fortunes against Guardiola following that night in Porto, with City winning both of their Premier League encounters 1-0 during the following season.

While the admiration between the two is clear, Tuchel will no doubt want to re-establish his edge over Guardiola, while the City boss will be keen to continue his supremacy over his rival.

The battle in the dugout promises to add an intriguing dynamic to a fascinating Champions League contest.

Follow Man City vs Bayern Munich on Tuesday on the Sky Sports website and app with our live blog, featuring team news, analysis and live updates.

Pep Guardiola's side took the lead in sensational fashion as Rodri's 25-yard stunner broke the deadlock at a tense Etihad Stadium in the first half.

• Man City 3-0 Bayern Munich - report and reaction
• Champions League fixtures | Results
• Get Sky Sports | Download the Sky Sports app

Those nerves were allayed after the break as strikes from Bernardo Silva and - who else? - Erling Haaland gave City a comfortable cushion going into the second leg in Bavaria next week.

Sky Sports' Sam Blitz rates the players who took the field in Manchester...

Manchester City

Ederson - 8

After a first half where he was mostly a passenger, the City goalkeeper needed to be alert to smartly deny Leroy Sane three times in the second period. One particular bit of distribution - a smart long ball at the start of the second period, was a joy to watch.

Manuel Akanji - 7

A nervy start from the City defender, but he grew in confidence along with his team-mates. One excellent ball forward to Ilkay Gundogan in the first half, then a lung-bursting run from deep in the second, shows he can be a real asset when in full flow.

Ruben Dias - 9

The centre-half was also rarely tested due to a lack of a regular No 9 in the Bayern attack, with Dias showing his physical dominance by winning everything in the air. The defender put in one vital block to deny Jamal Musiala with the scores at 0-0, prevented Kingsley Coman from heading home in the second half with an off-the-line clearance, before a great last-ditch challenge to stop Serge Gnabry when collective focus was dropping.

Nathan Ake - 8

The Dutchman's display was summed up by Coman, who was given nothing down the right in the opening stages of the game, swapping flanks just after half-time. Ake put in one crucial first-half intervention as Joshua Kimmich tried to release Leroy Sane down the wing. City's defensive astuteness does not exist without Ake in this team.

John Stones - 7

Stones is making this right-back, centre-back, centre-mid role his own. The England defender would pop up in an advanced role when in possession, then simply slot in at centre-half if they lost it. An excellent assist for Haaland's goal, while he stopped Sane from a one-on-one with good strength minutes later. A good example of a defender quietly going about his business before making the big impacts.

Rodri - 8

Manchester City's metronome. His short bursts to find five yards of space are so crucial to the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish getting on the ball, while he is always in the right place to stop attacks. His stunning goal was a work of art, his attacking prowess of late is adding to his status as one of the most complete midfielders in the world.

Kevin De Bruyne - 8

A cheat code at times. Man City's best attacks came through this man finding the space to operate. De Bruyne put in dangerous crosses from both wings while also showing an ability to burst through the middle of the pitch. Unlucky to be substituted, Pep Guardiola was right to tell the Belgian midfielder to focus on the simple things.

Ilkay Gundogan - 7

The German midfielder caused Bayern problems with his late runs into the box from midfield but was let down with a poor final ball. Gundogan should have opened the scoring with a header inside the area and while he couldn't do much more when Yann Sommer kicked away his effort - you feel he buries those chances nine times out of 10.

Bernardo Silva - 8

You feel Bernardo was selected for his industry in midfield against the threat of Alphonso Davies on the Bayern left. What the Portuguese possessed in the first two thirds of the pitch, in a positive night against the rapid Davies, he initially lacked the final ball. But then he showed that similar determination to head past Sommer for the second goal.

Erling Haaland - 7

Not many touches from the Premier League's top scorer, but he should have done better with two. Haaland was presented with a pair of first half chances in areas where he could find the net with his eyes closed, but blazed over then fired straight at Sommer. No wonder he squared for Bernardo in a rare unselfish moment from the Norwegian, before showing his usual poacher's instincts for City's third.

Jack Grealish - 8

It took Grealish just 20 seconds to start running at players, then putting them on their backside. But when he beat his man, he always played the right ball. The England winger's ability to flick the ball round the corner effectively makes his team seem more unpredictable, while his off-ball work is improving dramatically. He really looks at home at this level.

Substitutes: Julian Alvarez (on for De Bruyne, 68) - 7

Excellent delivery from a short corner for Haaland's goal, the Argentine is becoming a really good impact option off the bench in his debut season. Alvarez should have had a second on the break but fired agonisingly wide.

Bayern Munich

Yann Sommer - 7

One nervy moment when Haaland nearly tackled him on the goalline, but otherwise a very assured display from Sommer, who swept up well at times. The Bayern goalkeeper could do nothing for the three goals, while he showed his good instincts to deny Dias, Gundogan and Rodri from making the scoreline much, much worse.

Benjamin Pavard - 5

The Bayern right-back also had a very nervy game defensively. His task was not made easier by the presence of Grealish on that flank, with De Bruyne also venturing towards that wing to cause more problems. Pavard showed some promise going forward while put in some big challenges when required, but a booking shows some vulnerability that City can expose in the second leg.

Matthijs De Ligt - 6

The Dutch defender's role was to be the muscle against the threat of Haaland and played his role well. A very assured physical display. De Ligt was let down by other defenders who showed less composure.

Dayot Upamecano - 4

In the first half, the Bayern centre-back was not afraid to carry the ball deep under pressure and was very effective in beating City's first line of the press. But he was given a warning after one mix-up to allow Grealish in - with Haaland, Bernardo and City not willing to let him off a second time. That moment summed up a really clumsy spell for the Frenchman after the break.

Alphonso Davies - 6

Davies looked promising when in full flight and his pace via deep runs created some space for Bayern. But a mixed night up against Bernardo was summed up by an unnecessary booking early in the second half.

Joshua Kimmich - 8

A real joy to watch. Kimmich rivalled Rodri in the middle of the pitch in being absolutely everywhere. Some real slick passes deserved better while the Bayern midfielder made two important first-half interventions to deny Bernardo and Gundogan from going through.

Leon Goretzka - 7

The hard-working engine next to the flair of Kimmich. The midfielder launched a couple of good attacks by wining the ball and bursting forward. Goretzka was perhaps let down by those in front of him.

Leroy Sane - 7

The former Manchester City man gave his side a whole host of problems in the final third, finding the pockets of space well and could have walked away with the match ball at the start of the second half. He will be hoping to put things right in the second leg.

Jamal Musiala - 4

The former Chelsea academy product got in good areas but showed a lack of experience in the big games. Musiala was guilty of getting the ball stuck under his feet in promising areas in a couple of instances and should have done better with his big first-half opportunity. Rightly hauled off for Mane after little to no impact.

Kingsley Coman - 6

The French winger held the line well but struggled up against Ake and was not as effective as Sane. Coman carried the ball well at times but never got himself in any big goalscoring positions.

Serge Gnabry - 5

You can see why Thomas Tuchel put Gnabry in that false nine role. His link-up play was good at times, including a superb 60-yard spread of the play out to Sane in the first half. But the German forward never really had an influence in the final third and more of a presence was needed.

Substitutes: Sadio Mane (for Musiala, 69) - 6

You feel Mane's experience of this opposition and stadium was needed here. The former Liverpool attacker would have surely done more than those who started.

Joao Cancelo (for Davies, 80) - n/a

Thomas Mueller (for Gnabry, 80) - n/a

Rodri's curling shot from distance in the first half gave Pep Guardiola's side the lead against the German champions before Bernardo Silva headed in a second after the interval. Leroy Sane tested Ederson repeatedly in between but Bayern's defensive frailty was clear.

Erling Haaland, without so much as a draw in seven games against these opponents as a Borussia Dortmund player, exposed that fragility in volleying home the third goal as Bayern, and the struggling Dayot Upamecano in particular, began to wilt under City's pressure.

The fourth goal did not arrive but for all this team's travails in the latter stages of this competition, City will surely expect to progress to the final four after this result. A hugely impressive performance that underlines their status as the favourites for the trophy.

• How the teams lined up | Match stats
• Champions League fixtures | Results
• Get Sky Sports | Download the Sky Sports app

How Man City won it on the night

In blustery conditions that had the rain swirling around the stadium, Jack Grealish lifted the crowd in an instant with a purposeful run and there were two chances for Haaland in those early stages - both on his left foot, both far from his best.

But the game turned City's way on two phases of play midway through the first half. Jamal Musiala's low shot looked to be heading for the bottom corner of Ederson's net only for Ruben Dias to produce a sensational block. City went down the other end and scored.

Musiala might have done more to prevent Rodri turning inside but he could not have anticipated what followed. The midfielder set his left-footed shot wide of the far post but the ball curled beautifully into the top corner with Yann Sommer scrambling in vain.

Guardiola famously omitted the Spain international from his starting line-up for the 2021 Champions League final defeat to Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea, but this was a less surprising selection and it was the German coach who struggled to find the solutions.

Sane came close, locked in a personal battle with Ederson that saw the Brazilian goalkeeper deny him three times from distance early in the second half, and that proved significant soon after when Upamecano's error allowed City to double the advantage.

It was superb by the in-form Grealish to dispossess the defender and then flick the ball through to Haaland. Just as good by the Norwegian to pick out the pass to Silva as the crowd urged him to shoot. Sommer got a hand to his powerful header but could not keep it out.

Upamecano's error for the third was less conspicuous but just as damaging - presenting Haaland with the freedom of the box to latch onto John Stones' header and cushion the shot beyond the goalkeeper. It was his 45th goal of the season.

Haaland and his team might not need another to see off Bayern in Munich, such was the job done by the reigning Premier League champions in front of their own fans. There is work to do, of course, but Manchester City's hopes of a treble are growing.

Pep: I am emotionally destroyed!

Asked for his thoughts on a 'comfortable' win, Guardiola replied: "It was not comfortable at all. I am emotionally destroyed! I have 10 more years today. It was such a demanding game.

"For 55 to 60 minutes, it was a tight game, for parts they were better than us.

"From the start of the second half, they were better. We could not control them. But we adjusted something and we were better. It is an incredible result. But we have to do something in Munich at a little bit better not to suffer too much. We will try to do it.

"I have been there many times. I know this team is special. To knock out these top teams you need two top games not one."

He added: "I know exactly what we have to do there. If we do not perform well, they can score one, two or three. I know that and the players know it.

"It is an incredible result but we have to do our game with a huge, huge personality because otherwise these are top clubs and teams.

"Here, we have our chances, in our stadium, we are something special this season. We have our momentum, we are clinical and have that weapon. But it is the same for Munich.

"I have been there, you have not been there. I have been there for three years. I know what it means for the people, we are going there to score goals and try to win the game. If not, it will be so difficult."

'Silva one of best I have trained'

Silva's performance drew special praise from Guardiola. The Portuguese scored the second goal, tormented the Bayern defence and also did an important defensive job in controlling the attacking forays of Bayern left-back Alphonso Davies.

"He is a player who you say is going to play in that position and you do not have to say anything else," said Guardiola.

"I have been lucky to coach some very good players for Barca and Bayern. He is one of the best players I ever trained in my life, ever. He is something special as a football player.

"Bernardo is a football player, he can play everywhere because he understands the game perfectly and every action with and without the ball.

"When Davies starts to go you cannot stop, Bernardo has the ability to read the positions, give us an extra pass. He is so important in these types of games, he can play holding midfielder. He is so, so important player and lately, he is scoring goals, which he lacked a little bit. Now, he is being decisive."

Tuchel: This does not feel like a 3-0

"This does not feel like a 3-0 but it is a 3-0 and it is a huge, huge task now to turn this around. We are realistic but we will not give up," said Tuchel afterwards.

"It will not be over until we are in the shower."

Tuchel pointed to the opening goal of the game from Rodri as evidence of his team's misfortune.

"If City gets this sort of goal it gets really, really difficult," said the Bayern boss.

"The reaction was great during the first half. In the second half, it was even better. In the period where the goal could give us a huge boost of confidence, the opposite happened."

He saw Upamecano's error as the turning point.

"The second goal shifted the momentum when it was our momentum. It was an individual mistake, a decision-making mistake and at the highest level in world football it is brutal. This is a mistake that should not happen at this level in this part of the field.

"Clearly, we were not rewarded for our efforts."

What's next?

The second leg takes place in Munich on Wednesday, April 19 at 8pm. But up next for Manchester City are Leicester City back in the Premier League this Saturday at the Etihad Stadium, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 5.30pm.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich host Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, also on Saturday; kick-off 2.30pm.

Rodri's curling shot from distance in the first half gave Guardiola's side the lead against the German champions before Bernardo Silva headed in a second after the interval and Erling Haaland completed the scoring as City put one foot in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Asked for his thoughts on a 'comfortable' win, Guardiola replied: "It was not comfortable at all. I am emotionally destroyed! I have 10 more years today. It was such a demanding game.

• Man City 3-0 Bayern Munich - Match report
• How the teams lined up | Match stats
• Champions League fixtures | Results
• Get Sky Sports | Download the Sky Sports app

"For 55 to 60 minutes, it was a tight game, for parts they were better than us.

"From the start of the second half, they were better. We could not control them. But we adjusted something and we were better. It is an incredible result. But we have to do something in Munich at a little bit better not to suffer too much. We will try to do it.

"I have been there many times. I know this team is special. To knock out these top teams you need two top games not one."

He added: "I know exactly what we have to do there. If we do not perform well, they can score one, two or three. I know that and the players know it.

"It is an incredible result but we have to do our game with a huge, huge personality because otherwise, these are top clubs and teams.

"Here, we have our chances, in our stadium, we are something special this season. We have our momentum, we are clinical and have that weapon. But it is the same for Munich.

"I have been there, you have not been there. I have been there for three years. I know what it means for the people, we are going there to score goals and try to win the game. If not, it will be so difficult."

Tuchel: Not over until we're in the showers!

Despite the one-sided scoreline, Bayern boss Tuchel, who was taking charge of just his third game after replacing Julian Nagelsmann, felt his side were unlucky to lose the game.

"This does not feel like a 3-0 but it is a 3-0 and it is a huge, huge task now to turn this around. We are realistic but we will not give up," said Tuchel afterwards.

"It will not be over until we are in the shower."

Tuchel pointed to the opening goal of the game from Rodri as evidence of his team's misfortune.

"If City gets this sort of goal it gets really, really difficult," said the Bayern boss.

"The reaction was great during the first half. In the second half, it was even better. In the period where the goal could give us a huge boost of confidence, the opposite happened."

He saw Upamecano's error as the turning point.

"The second goal shifted the momentum when it was our momentum. It was an individual mistake, a decision-making mistake and at the highest level in world football it is brutal. This is a mistake that should not happen at this level in this part of the field.

"Clearly, we were not rewarded for our efforts."

What's next?

The second leg takes place in Munich on Wednesday, April 19 at 8pm. But up next for Manchester City are Leicester City back in the Premier League this Saturday at the Etihad Stadium, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 5.30pm.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich host Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, also on Saturday; kick-off 2.30pm.

Guardiola 'destroyed' but triumphant

Pep Guardiola did not need to reveal afterwards that he had been left 'emotionally destroyed' following Manchester City's 3-0 first-leg win over Bayern Munich. Just watching his contortions on the touchline at the Etihad Stadium was enough to make that clear.

Every time the ball made its way into the vicinity of the City penalty box, Guardiola sank to his knees in supplication. This competition has given him his biggest moments in football but it has also taken away - taking a lot out of him. That next triumph is long overdue.

• Man City 3-0 Bayern - report and reaction
• How the teams lined up | Match stats
• Champions League fixtures | Results
• Get Sky Sports | Download the Sky Sports app

Guardiola does not need to say how much he wants it. He has reached the acceptance stage, rationalising his struggle to lift the trophy with talk of how everyone from Jack Nicklaus to Michael Jordan has had to lose many more times than they have won.

Guardiola does not need to say how much he wants it, but it is obvious. And while he does not want to jinx it, stressing that Bayern remain a strong opponent and that this tie is not over, it is clear that he has the players and he has the team, in form and in simpatico.

Accusations of overthinking team selections and tactics may never go away, certainly not before success in Istanbul in June. But Guardiola did not need to deviate far from the plan to beat Bayern. He may have been destroyed. His team are destroying the opposition.
Adam Bate

'Silva one of best I have trained'

Bernardo Silva's performance drew special praise from Pep Guardiola. The Portuguese scored the second goal, tormented the Bayern defence and also did an important defensive job in controlling the attacking forays of Bayern left-back Alphonso Davies.

"He is a player who you say is going to play in that position and you do not have to say anything else," said Guardiola.

• Man City-Bayern ratings: Ruben Dias imperious but Dayot Upamecano 'clumsy'
• Pep Guardiola: I'm emotionally destroyed | Thomas Tuchel: It's not over yet

"I have been lucky to coach some very good players for Barca and Bayern. He is one of the best players I ever trained in my life, ever. He is something special as a football player.

"Bernardo is a football player, he can play everywhere because he understands the game perfectly and every action with and without the ball.

"When Davies starts to go you cannot stop, Bernardo has the ability to read the positions, give us an extra pass. He is so important in these types of games, he can play holding midfielder. He is so, so important and lately he is scoring goals, which he lacked a little bit. Now he is being decisive."
Adam Bate

Alvarez impact strikes again for City

Twice Manchester City have had difficult knockout games at home, twice Julian Alvarez came on to make the difference.

City were locked in a tense battle against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night but the tie swung on, not Dayot Upamecano's error, but Kevin de Bruyne's withdrawal for City's World Cup winner.

Alvarez entered the field on 68 minutes in a period where Bayern were knocking on the door for an equaliser. Eight minutes later, City were 3-0 up.

The Argentine came on as City moved to a 4-2-4-style set-up - and that four-person attack helped force Upamecano into a fatal error as they pressed a goal kick to create their second goal.

Five minutes later, Alvarez forced Yann Sommer into a big save as the pressure grew. Two attacks after that, the City substitute whipped in a brilliant ball from a short corner to John Stones, who teed up Erling Haaland's close-range finish with a header.

Alvarez had the exact same impact when he came off the bench in City's FA Cup win over Arsenal back in January, arriving with the scores locked at 0-0 and creating pressure with that four-pronged attack to grind the Gunners down.

It just goes to show that, even with the grandeur of 45-goal striker Erling Haaland, Alvarez can still make an impact.
Sam Blitz

Kimmich deserved better

Joshua Kimmich was cool on the ball, ferocious in the challenge and understood when to be brave and when to play safe. Everything some of his Bayern Munich team-mates were not on Wednesday night.

The German midfielder set the tone for what first looked like a solid start to the Champions League tie for the Bundesliga champions.

His passing over the top of the City defence was a joy to behold while he came to the rescue to deny two clear chances for Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva.

Yes, Bayern went in 1-0 down at the break but, as many in the Bayern camp have claimed, Rodri's goal was hardly one they can stop.

"It was not necessary that we have a result like this. It's tough for us, really difficult," he told reporters after the game. The way Bayern capitulated with 20 minutes to go would have frustrated Kimmich more than most.

And without him and Yann Sommer, Bayern would be humiliated. Kimmich would be a fantastic addition to any Premier League team. Surely someone will try their luck on a mercurial talent?
Sam Blitz

Sky Germany report that Sane's lip was bleeding after the altercation and the two players needed to be separated by their fellow team-mates in the dressing room.

Bayern Munich officials held a meeting on Wednesday to discuss possible punishments for Mane and, according to Sky Germany, among the sanctions considered were a fine, suspension, and even a parting of the ways in the summer.

• Man City 3-0 Bayern - report and reaction
• How the teams lined up | Match stats
• Champions League fixtures | Results
• Get Sky Sports | Download the Sky Sports app

It was expected that Mane would apologise in front of the team during Thursday's training session.

Sane and Mane were seen on the pitch arguing in the latter stages of the match on Tuesday night, where City beat the German champions 3-0 at Etihad Stadium in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

After landing back in Munich, Mane, who was a substitute for the tie, took the team bus from the airport while Sane was picked up privately.

On returning to Munich, Sane was pictured appearing to hide his bottom lip from cameras.

Bayern Munich have not commented on the incident.

Guardiola 'emotionally destroyed' after Bayern win

Pep Guardiola revealed he was "emotionally destroyed" after Man City's 3-0 win over Bayern Munich - a game Thomas Tuchel felt his side didn't deserve to lose.

Rodri's curling shot from distance in the first half gave Guardiola's side the lead against the German champions before Bernardo Silva headed in a second after the interval and Erling Haaland completed the scoring as City put one foot in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Asked for his thoughts on a 'comfortable' win, Guardiola replied: "It was not comfortable at all. I am emotionally destroyed! I have 10 more years today. It was such a demanding game.

"For 55 to 60 minutes, it was a tight game, for parts they were better than us.

"From the start of the second half, they were better. We could not control them. But we adjusted something and we were better. It is an incredible result. But we have to do something in Munich at a little bit better not to suffer too much. We will try to do it.

"I have been there many times. I know this team is special. To knock out these top teams you need two top games not one."

Tuchel: Not over until we're in the showers!

Despite the one-sided scoreline, Bayern boss Tuchel, who was taking charge of just his third game after replacing Julian Nagelsmann, felt his side were unlucky to lose the game.

"This does not feel like a 3-0 but it is a 3-0 and it is a huge, huge task now to turn this around. We are realistic but we will not give up," said Tuchel afterwards.

"It will not be over until we are in the shower."

Tuchel pointed to the opening goal of the game from Rodri as evidence of his team's misfortune.

"If City gets this sort of goal it gets really, really difficult," said the Bayern boss.

"The reaction was great during the first half. In the second half, it was even better. In the period where the goal could give us a huge boost of confidence, the opposite happened."

Mane will also be fined and won't be part of the Bayern squad for their home Bundesliga game against Hoffenheim on Saturday.

Sky Germany reported that Sane's lip was bleeding after the altercation and the two players needed to be separated by their fellow team-mates in the dressing room.

• Man City 3-0 Bayern - report and reaction
• How the teams lined up | Match stats
• Champions League fixtures | Results
• Get Sky Sports | Download the Sky Sports app

A statement from Bayern read: "Sadio Mane, 31, will not be in the FC Bayern squad for the home game against 1899 Hoffenheim next Saturday. The reason is Mane's misconduct after FC Bayern's Champions League game at Manchester City. In addition, Mane will receive a fine."

Bayern Munich officials held a meeting on Wednesday to discuss possible punishments for Mane and, according to Sky Germany, among the sanctions considered were a fine, suspension, and even a parting of the ways in the summer.

It was expected that Mane would apologise in front of the team during Thursday's training session.

Sane and Mane were seen on the pitch arguing in the latter stages of the match on Tuesday night, where City beat the German champions 3-0 at Etihad Stadium in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final first leg.

After landing back in Munich, Mane, who was a substitute for the tie, took the team bus from the airport while Sane was picked up privately.

On returning to Munich, Sane was pictured appearing to hide his bottom lip from cameras.

As revealed by Sky Sports last summer, the Netherlands international was on a shortlist of options that also featured Aurelien Tchouameni, Enzo Fernandez, Nicolo Barella and the then-unavailable Jude Bellingham for the Premier League club to strengthen their midfield ahead of this season.

Bayern rapidly tied up a deal for Gravenberch from Ajax to beat Liverpool and other European rivals but he has been afforded just 711 minutes of playing time since that transfer, with Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka preferred.

• Watch Leeds vs Liverpool on NOW
• Jurgen Klopp on poor form, staying motivated, smart recruitment and more
• Premier League table | Liverpool fixtures | Results
• Get Sky Sports | Download the Sky Sports App

The 20-year-old's representative, Rafaela Pimenta, explored loan options in January but the Bundesliga club were unwilling to permit a winter exit.

Pimenta met with Liverpool at the turn of the year and last week the club engaged Gravenberch's father, Ryan senior, who still guides his career.

Erik ten Hag, who promoted the multi-functional midfielder to the first team and extracted the best from him at Ajax, made a check on his availability for Manchester United before loaning Marcel Sabitzer from Bayern instead in January.

Bayern, who are set to add RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer to their ranks this summer, are open to selling Gravenberch and want to recoup the £20m fee - including add-ons - they agreed for him, as well as a small profit.

Bayern's public position is that they won't listen to offers for the player, but they are unable to offer him game time as his representatives work on a solution.

Ajax are also understood to have a seven-and-a-half per cent sell-on clause.

Liverpool are not the only club to enquire over Gravenberch but, conscious of the competition they will face for targets this summer and the scale of the rebuild that awaits, the club have made a head start on their recruitment objectives.

Gravenberch is one of several midfield options the club are exploring, with at least one defensive signing also expected.

Analysis: 'He's a better version of Pogba'

"He has a lot of capabilities, especially in an attacking sense, but he understands hard work,” Ten Hag previously analysed of Gravenberch, and it is a succinct description.

Physically imposing, he is agile, as well as an elite ball carrier and receiver. Having largely operated on the left side of a double pivot, Gravenberch can play across midfield and is very active at link-up in the final third.

A progressive passer that instigates in the build-up phase, he uses his body cleverly to either disguise where he wants to supply the ball or to protect possession.

Gravenberch’s ability to shield, roll his marker and drive into space has been noted by new Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel who highlighted the youngster can “turn and dribble very well”.

Brian Tevreden, who promoted a 12-year-old Gravenberch to the Ajax U15s, believes he has shades of Paul Pogba to his game.

"Physically, I see Frank Rijkaard because he’s tall and very strong. But technically, I would say he's a better version of Pogba in his best days at Juventus, in terms of his technique and his presence on the pitch," Tevreden said. “He's very dominant like Pogba was, and that's what I see in Ryan."

With major tournament experience at international level, impressive Champions League performances, natural leadership qualities and close to a century of senior appearances at his age, it is no surprise that Gravenberch is desperate to return to playing regularly.

Speaking to Ajax Showtime, the Amsterdam native - who became the Eredevisie’s youngest debutant when Ten Hag gave him his breakthrough at 16 - said: “In my career I never really had a setback until this season. I was always a big talent and joined Ajax’s first team at a young age. For me, this season is only the first season in which I’m having a hard time and little game time.

“As a player you also get better from such experiences. I am still very young and I’m glad I’m experiencing something like this now instead of experiencing it for the first time later in my career.

“I’m mentally strong and I’m making even better steps in this situation. This is how I try to convert this experience into something positive. I’m staying strong.

“I’d rather succeed at Bayern. But if that doesn’t work out and I don’t get opportunities, then maybe I should look elsewhere.

“At the moment, however, I’m not so concerned with that and I hope that I can change my situation at Bayern. I’m still convinced in my choice and don’t regret it at all.

“I had certainly hoped and also expected I would play more at Bayern. So far it has not gone as expected. For me that’s a pity, but I’m dealing with it well.”

Holding a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg, City weathered an early storm in Germany before Haaland's composed finish in the 57th minute effectively confirmed his side's place in the last four for a third year in a row.

The Norwegian could have opened the scoring earlier but blazed a first-half penalty over the bar and despite Joshua Kimmich making it 1-1 on the night with a late spot-kick (83), it was a case of mission accomplished for Pep Guardiola's team.

• CL hits and misses: This time feels different for Man City
• Champions League fixtures | Results
• How the teams lined up | Match stats
• Get Sky Sports | Download the Sky Sports App

City's chances of securing a maiden Champions League title remain very much alive, but they will first have to overcome 14-time winners Real Madrid, who beat Chelsea 4-0 on aggregate in their quarter-final.

And they will know better than anyone what a daunting challenge that is, having been knocked out by the Spanish champions at the semi-final stage last year after falling victim to one of the greatest European comebacks.

As for Bayern, a dramatic turnaround against City was always unlikely and they exit the quarter-finals for a third consecutive season.

How Man City finished the job in Germany

Bayern were clearly stung by last week's loss at the Etihad and were determined to go down fighting. They began with belief and, feeding off the energy of a boisterous atmosphere, took the game to City.

Kingsley Coman twice got clear down the right in the opening minutes but his final ball was lacking before the visitors survived a bigger scare when former City winger Leroy Sane raced through on goal but shot wide.

There was drama at the other end when Dayot Upamecano was shown a red card for tripping Haaland as he broke clear, but the decision was overturned after a flag was raised.

The Bayern defender then gave away a penalty when he handled an Ilkay Gundogan shot in the box, but Haaland blasted over after the hosts did their best to delay the spot-kick.

That miss gave Bayern renewed hope and they finished the first half strongly with Coman firing at Ederson and Sane, who earlier had a free-kick saved, shooting wide from distance. Joao Cancelo and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting were also denied from close range.

Haaland had another opportunity after the break as Bayern began to get stretched but shot straight at Yann Sommer. The German side went close again as a Coman effort squirmed through Ederson's grasp and rolled across goal but City cleared and Haaland made no mistake at the third time of asking.

Again the Bayern defence was caught out as Kevin De Bruyne led a charge. The Belgian calmly slipped in Haaland and, after skipping around Upamecano, the 22-year-old finished emphatically to become the youngest player to score 35 Champions League goals.

That put the tie beyond doubt but Bayern were not quite done. Mathys Tel had a goal chalked off for offside before Kimmich struck from the spot seven minutes from time after Manuel Akanji was harshly penalised for handball.

Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel had to watch the closing minutes from the stands after being shown a red card for letting his frustrations get the better of him.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola's only concern from an otherwise satisfying night will be the severity of a suspected hamstring injury to defender Nathan Ake, who had to be withdrawn in the second half.

"I've had it before and it feels a little bit less to be honest, but you never know with these things, so we will do the ultrasounds and stuff on Thursday and then hopefully it's not too bad," Ake told Sky Sports after the match.

Pep: Man City are exhausted

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola told BT Sport: "Of course, three years in a row in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

"We struggled in the first half. Upamecano broke all the lines down our left side and we struggled with Coman. We were fortunate before the penalty miss, they had one or two chances and anything could happen but we defended really well.

"The finishing from Erling was really, really good. He is so young. The experience that we have in this competition, the players feel it a lot, they want to do it really well. The second half was much, much better since minute one.

"We are exhausted. I don't know how we recover to play against Sheffield United [in the FA Cup semi-final]. Now is a tough moment for the game on Saturday."

• Pep fears Man City 'exhaustion' for the run-in | Ake hoping injury 'not too bad'

Silva: We want revenge against Real Madrid

Asked about the chance of revenge against Real Madrid in the semi-finals, Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva told BT Sport: "Hopefully, yes. We will go for it definitely.

"We always go for it but we feel the team is very, very confident at the minute. I think we are going through.

"We struggled until February because we couldn't get in that usual run we had before of winning 10-15 games in a row but now we are very consistent, we feel we have a chance in every competition and we are going for them.

"We are at that point of the season where if you drop your performance in one game you are out of a competition. It is going to be tough but we are going to work very hard to bring some titles home."

Tuchel: Overall scoreline harsh on Bayern

Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel said: "I am very satisfied with both games against Manchester City and with the way we presented ourselves.

"We were on par with what is currently the best team in Europe. There was a difference in self-confidence and form. For the few chances we conceded in both matches, we were punished. I don't think the scoreline reflects the tie.

"We had enough chances. But in order to beat the best team you need more than just 100 per cent. You need also a bit of luck, a deflection, a set piece and you also have to make those golden chances you get.

"I think we had City on the hook again, even more so than in Manchester. But, like last week, we never had that moment of luck that you need to turn this around."

Is this finally Man City's treble-winning season?

Sky Sports' Dan Sansom:

"It's looking ominous. They're very close to it. Far too close for comfort," said a concerned Gary Neville at the weekend.

Manchester City have been here before. It's not the first time they've had a realistic chance of winning the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in the same season. And under Pep Guardiola, it's usually the norm at this time of year.

Of course, the Champions League is the one piece of silverware that always seems to slip away. This season, though, it feels different.

City have the luxury of being able to call upon the ruthless Erling Haaland, who took his tally to a staggering 48 goals this term when he scored against Bayern Munich on Wednesday. That, as well as going 15 games unbeaten in all competitions, suggests Neville is right to be worried.

"They're purring now and are serious about it," the Sky Sports pundit added. Guardiola's men mean business.

• How likely is it that Man City win the treble?
• Get Sky Sports | Download the Sky Sports App

Real Madrid - City's semi-final conquerors last season - could well end their dream again. AC Milan or Inter Milan could also prevent them from finally winning Europe's elite club competition. But with Arsenal showing signs of faltering in the Premier League title race and Sheffield United up next in the FA Cup semi-finals, winning all three major honours is looking increasingly possible.

They've completed the domestic treble before, but this one is considered the best. Manchester United are the only English side to have managed it, but there's every chance City will emulate their rivals this year. There's no better team in Europe right now.

Opta stats: Haaland draws level with Van Nistelrooy

• No player has ever scored more goals in a single European Cup/Champions League season for an English club than Erling Haaland's 12 for Manchester City in 2022-23 (level with Ruud van Nistelrooy for Manchester United in 2002-03).
• Erling Haaland missed a penalty for Manchester City for the first time in eight attempts. He had scored his previous 15 spot-kicks in all club competitions, with this miss his first since April 2021 vs Union Berlin while playing for Borussia Dortmund.
• Manchester City are only the third English team to qualify for the Champions League semi-finals in three consecutive seasons, along with Chelsea and Manchester United.
• Bayern Munich have only failed to win seven of their previous 41 Champions League matches (W34 D4 L3) but five of those have been at the quarter-final stage (D2 L3).

What's next?

Manchester City's treble charge continues on Saturday when they travel to Wembley to face Championship side Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-finals (kick-off 4.45pm).

Pep Guardiola's team take on Premier League title rivals Arsenal in a mouthwatering clash at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday (kick-off 8pm) before travelling to Fulham on April 30 (kick-off 2pm), live on Sky Sports.

Bayern Munich return to Bundesliga action on Saturday when they make the trip to Mainz (kick-off 2.30pm). The league leaders then welcome rock-bottom Hertha Berlin to the Allianz Arena the following Sunday (kick-off 2.30pm).

Man City's remaining fixtures

April 22: Sheffield United (N) - FA Cup semi-final, kick-off 3pm

April 26: Arsenal (H) - Premier League, kick-off 8pm

April 30: Fulham (A) - Premier League, kick-off 2pm, live on Sky Sports

May 3: West Ham (H) - Premier League, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports

May 7: Leeds United (H) - Premier League, kick-off 2pm, live on Sky Sports

May 9: Real Madrid (A) - Champions League semi-final first leg, kick-off 8pm

May 13: Everton (A) - Premier League, kick-off 3pm

May 17: Real Madrid (H) - Champions League semi-final second leg, kick-off 8pm

May 20: Chelsea (H) - Premier League, kick-off 3pm

May 28: Brentford (A) - Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm

TBA: Brighton (A) - Premier League

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder joined the Ibrox club on loan from German giants Bayern Munich last summer. The cinch Premiership outfit have the first option to buy, with the fee reported to be around £5m.

Tillman had to come off in last week's Scottish Cup semi-final defeat by Celtic at Hampden Park, which effectively ended hopes of silverware, with a hamstring injury which rules him out of the last five fixtures.

• Scottish Premiership: What to look out for this weekend
• Kirsty Howat stunner gives Rangers vital win over Celtic
• Scottish Premiership live on Sky Sports

Ahead of the Scottish Premiership game against Aberdeen at Ibrox on Sunday, Beale said: "Unfortunately, that is the end of Malik's season.

"He has got a hamstring injury. He has gone back to Bayern for them to have a look at him as well.

"He has had his scan. It is a hugely sad ending to the season for him because he is obviously a fine young player and he has performed well for the club so far this season.

"That (talk of permanent deal) is all still on-going in the background as well.

"Me and Malik are in a great place on a personal level.

"He's been brilliant for the club and I think brilliant for me in my time here.

"He's a player I think has a really high ceiling - as high as anyone I've worked with in my time here at Rangers.

"There's areas of his game that at 20 years old he certainly has to brush up on but that's why he's come on loan.

"We said we'd park the conversation until the middle of May because there's a lot around it. We want to get to end of the season.

"And Malik has got a say in this as well. Obviously the two clubs have been talking back and forth and there's agreements between them.

"But the most important person is Malik. If Malik wants to be here in Glasgow, then it's something we can make happen.

"Likewise if he's unsure...

"We'd said we'd park the conversation until the middle of May and nothing has changed on that."

After the Hoops defeat, Beale promised the "biggest rebuild in years" and gave a strong hint that striker Morelos and Kent, both out of contract in the summer, would depart the club.

The former QPR boss said: "They have been two fantastic players for the club.

"We haven't come forward with a contract offer. Both have been free to speak to other clubs for a while now.

"But in terms of the next five games, they are Rangers players and they will continue to be so until anything announced officially."

Follow Rangers with Sky Sports

Follow every Rangers game in the Scottish Premiership this season with our live blogs on the Sky Sports website and app, and watch match highlights for free.

Want the Rangers latest? Bookmark our Rangers news page, check out Rangers' fixtures and Rangers' latest results, watch Rangers' goals and video, keep track of the Scottish Premiership table and see which Rangers games are coming up live on Sky Sports.

Get all this and more - including notifications sent straight to your phone - by downloading the Sky Sports Scores app and setting Rangers as your favourite team.

The former Bayern Munich boss is interested in the job but no agreement or commitments have been made at this stage.

Bayern, meanwhile, are still demanding a transfer fee if Nagelsmann is to move.

• Julian Nagelsmann: The definitive guide to Tottenham target
• Spurs target Xabi Alonso for managerial job
• Premier League table | Tottenham fixtures | Results
• Get Sky Sports | Get NOW to stream biggest moments

Sky in Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg understands Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is "pushing more" for Nagelsmann, who wants to know exactly how much power he would get in transfers if he was to become head coach.

Plettenberg also believes more talks will follow, while it is understood the German wants to take his time before making a final decision.

It is still unclear who will be the new managing director of football at Tottenham after Fabio Paratici resigned last month.

Sky Sports News has been told Johannes Spors is one of a number of sporting directors the north London club are looking at.

Spors is a global sporting director for a number of clubs, including Genoa, Standard Liege and Melbourne Victory.

Nagelsmann in frame for Spurs job after Chelsea ended interest

Nagelsmann had previously held talks with Chelsea but he is no longer under consideration for the Blues' managerial vacancy with Mauricio Pochettino the frontrunner to take over at Stamford Bridge.

Nagelsmann, who was sacked as Bayern boss last month, was never regarded as the favourite for the job internally at Chelsea.

Friction between the two sides grew as Chelsea officials were determined to carry out a thorough due diligence on all of the candidates before making a decision - with the German coach resenting the repeated interviews and requests for information.

Nagelsmann had reservations over the role himself and sensed that Chelsea's varied shortlist, reflected a lack of clarity about the direction they want to take.

He had previously stated "it's important as a manager that you feel a club believes in you and your methods" and that it appeals to him "to work where the structure is clear, where there are not 20 guys all with an opinion that takes you in different directions".

Rangnick: Nagelsmann should go to Tottenham

Last month, Ralf Rangnick suggested Nagelsmann should go for the Tottenham job.

The ex-Manchester United manager, who mentored Nagelsmann at Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig, believes Spurs have the right set-up - but he would benefit with a sporting director with him.

Rangnick was sporting director for the Red Bull franchise of clubs, including Leipzig and Salzburg, between 2012 and 2015 and then again from 2019 to 2020.

"I think Tottenham is an exciting club in many ways," Rangnick said in the Sky Germany studio.

"They probably have one of the most modern, beautiful stadiums in the world at the moment. They have one of the best training centres, that is there at the moment and Daniel Levy, who has been leading the club for many, many years.

"Although he is not a big spender, he knows the football business and would not put himself in the centre of the cameras.

"If Tottenham really want him, then I think it would be important if a sporting director was still there to support him.

"It can be a very, very exciting story. There is room for improvement, a lot of room for improvement and yet this is not a club where the house expects you to be in the top one or two right away."

Spurs also eyeing Alonso and Kompany

Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has also emerged as a target for Tottenham as they search for a new permanent manager.

Sky Sports News understands key figures at Spurs admire the former Liverpool midfielder, who took over at Bayer Leverkusen in October.

In that time he has led the German club from relegation contenders to sixth in the Bundesliga and the semi-finals of the Europa League where they will face Jose Mourinho's Roma.

Spurs are also impressed by Vincent Kompany, who has guided Burnley back into the Premier League as Championship winners this season.

Spurs have yet to appoint a permanent successor to Antonio Conte, who left in March after a difficult end to his time in north London. Interim boss Cristian Stellini has already been and gone, with Ryan Mason now in a second spell in caretaker charge.

He will remain in charge at Spurs until the summer.

A run of four games without a win has seen Spurs' hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League slip away.

They sit seventh in the table, five points behind Liverpool in fifth having played a game more and nine points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United, who also have a game in hand.

They also face a battle to qualify for either the Europa League or the Europa Conference League with Aston Villa, Brighton and Brentford still with hopes of securing European football.

Bayern have an option to buy Cancelo at the end of his loan spell from Manchester City but are not planning to pay in excess of £60m to sign the Portugal defender.

Mane is also likely to be made available for transfer in the summer after just one season with Bayern, in which he has so far scored 12 goals.

• Transfer Centre LIVE!
• Get Sky Sports | Download the Sky Sports App

The Senegal forward has not been able to secure a regular starting place under new boss Thomas Tuchel and Sky in Germany's Florian Plettenberg believes a return to the Premier League is his most realistic option.

Mane has started only six of Bayern's 11 league games since his return from injury in February, scoring once, and in April was suspended for one game for a confrontation with team-mate Leroy Sane.

Speaking to Sky Sports shortly after the incident, Plettenberg said: "Right now, this is not the Sadio Mane from Liverpool. You can really see the injury from him, right before the World Cup in Qatar, has done something to him.

"He has not got the same speed, he's not very good at dribbling or tackling, his body language is very bad - he's not that same happy guy.

"That situation with Sane was a shock for the management, team-mates and my information is that he's seen critically inside from now because of his performances and that behaviour.

"A lot of players have distanced themselves from Mane - he's a candidate for sale in the summer, he has a high salary and Thomas Tuchel has no real plans to work with him next season."

Cancelo started 36 times for City in the Premier League last season, but after playing a restricted role at City this term joined Bayern on loan on Transfer Deadline Day in January.

During his time in Manchester, Cancelo won two league titles and was twice named in the Premier League Team of the Year.

After making the loan move the Portugal full-back said: "I've not had much game time in the past few weeks, which influenced my decision. There was speculation that my relationship with Pep was not the best, but fact is I wanted to play more.

"I really wanted to embark on this new adventure at such a club with such a big history. It's a dream for me. I'm very happy to be here and to show my footballing qualities."

Jamal Musiala scored Bayern's 89th minute winner as Thomas Tuchel's side snatched the title by the tightest of margins on a dramatic final day.

Dortmund, who entered a pulsating final day two points clear at the top, were denied being crowned champions for the first time in 11 years after they drew 2-2 at home to Mainz, losing out on goal difference.

Bayern knew they needed to beat Cologne and hope for a favour from Mainz, and having led through Kingsley Coman's stunning eighth-minute strike, the defending champions moved top as Mainz raced into a two-goal lead in the first half at Dortmund.

• Bundesliga table
• Bundesliga results | Get Sky Sports
• Download the Sky Sports App

Andreas Hanche-Olsen gave the visitors the lead in the 15th minute to shock Signal Iduna Park. Two minutes later, Dortmund were handed a reprieve after a foul inside the box by Dominik Kohr - but Sebastien Haller's penalty was saved by Finn Dahmen.

Matters got even worse for the hosts on 24 minutes when Karim Onisiwo rose to head home Jae-Sung Lee's cross from the left. Dortmund only began their response with 21 minutes remaining as Raphael Guerreiro's shot from Gio Reyna's pass found the bottom corner.

Edin Terzic's side still needed two goals to win the match and the championship - provided Bayern stayed ahead in Cologne. That changed, however, when a handball by Serge Gnabry allowed Dejan Ljubicic to level from the spot.

Dortmund fans believed and prayed for the intervention from elsewhere to be upheld, but those hopes were dashed with two minutes of normal time remaining as Gnabry set up Musiala for a decisive blow. Niklas Sule levelled in the 96th minute back at Dortmund - but there was not enough time for a winner.

Dortmund finished on 71 points - the same as Bayern following their victory - but with an inferior goal difference of 15 on one of the most dramatic ends to any Bundesliga season.

In a climactic season finale, Bayern were celebrating what ended up being an unexpected title win, while Dortmund's dreams of their first league trophy since 2012 were left in tatters when they were trailing 2-0 to Mainz early on before battling to a 2-2 draw - but they needed victory to become champions.

In a further twist, Bayern announced immediately after their title triumph they had fired CEO Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic.

Manager Thomas Tuchel said on the news of Kahn and Salihamidzic leaving: "I've known since yesterday. Today it will be announced, also in the dressing room. Hasan called me eight weeks ago, with Oli Kahn, and persuaded and convinced me that we should do it together.

"They were largely responsible for it, they gave us credit for it, so I have to process it first. Instead of celebrating, we now have the next political topic."

When asked if he would continue, Tuchel replied with a smile: "I'm assuming so now."

Meanwhile, RB Leipzig and sensational Union Berlin finished third and fourth respectively and will also compete in the Champions League next season.

Hertha Berlin and Schalke 04 were relegated, while VfB Stuttgart will go into the relegation play-off.

Coman settled Bayern's nerves early on, putting them into the lead with a superbly curled shot into the top corner.

With Dortmund behind from the first half, the Bavarians knew they were now in front and controlled the first half without risking too much.

Leroy Sane did slot in just before the break but his effort did not count following a VAR review for handball.

With Bayern club bosses nervously checking their mobile phones for the score in Dortmund, Cologne earned an 80th minute penalty and Ljubicic sent 'keeper the wrong way to level.

Sane thought he had missed the chance to hand his team the title when he failed to beat the Cologne 'keeper in the 88th but Musiala did it perfectly a minute later, curling a low drive into the far post in the rollercoaster season ending.