Manchester City returned to winning ways in the UEFA Champions League after surviving a spirited RB Leipzig fightback to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory in Germany on Wednesday night, with Erling Haaland delivering the decisive moment in an entertaining encounter.
The Norwegian striker struck in the 78th minute to settle a contest in which City twice surrendered their advantage, extending his impressive scoring record against the Bundesliga outfit and giving Enzo Maresca’s side a much-needed victory.
Leipzig started brightly, putting the visitors under pressure with their aggressive approach and quick attacking transitions. Christoph Baumgartner and Antonio Nusa both threatened early, while City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was forced into action to prevent the hosts from taking the lead.
Rayan Cherki also had an opportunity for City, but his effort drifted wide as the visitors struggled to establish control during the opening exchanges.
Despite Leipzig’s promising start, City eventually found a breakthrough in the 37th minute through an unfortunate own goal from Castello Lukeba.
Cherki produced an excellent diagonal pass towards Nico O’Reilly, who immediately delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area. Lukeba attempted to intercept the delivery but could only divert the ball into his own net with his knee, handing Manchester City a 1-0 advantage.
City nearly doubled their lead moments later when O’Reilly delivered another inviting ball into the penalty area, but Haaland failed to make the most of his opportunity with a header. O’Reilly subsequently missed another chance after receiving a cross from Iliman Ndiaye.
Leipzig returned from the interval with renewed determination and found an equaliser just four minutes into the second half.
In the 49th minute, Ridle Baku capitalised on City’s defensive uncertainty, receiving the ball from Brajan Gruda before firing a clever effort from a tight angle past Donnarumma at his near post.
The Italian goalkeeper appeared to anticipate a low cross into the middle, but Baku instead found the back of the net with an unexpected finish to make it 1-1.
Donnarumma was immediately called into action again as Baumgartner tested him, forcing the City goalkeeper to produce an important save. However, the visitors regained their advantage in the 58th minute.
Ndiaye delivered an excellent cross from the left, picking out Enzo Fernandez, who arrived inside the penalty area to power a header beyond the Leipzig goalkeeper and restore City’s lead at 2-1.
The advantage lasted only three minutes, as Leipzig responded almost immediately through Nusa.
In the 61st minute, the Norwegian winger found space inside the penalty area and fired a low effort across Donnarumma into the bottom-right corner, bringing the hosts level for a second time.
With the score at 2-2, both sides continued searching for a decisive goal, and City gradually increased their attacking intensity.
Elliot Anderson missed a promising opportunity after sending an effort over the crossbar from close range, but the midfielder eventually played a crucial role in City’s winning goal.
The decisive moment arrived in the 78th minute when Anderson drove forward before delivering a low cross into the penalty area. Haaland timed his movement perfectly, sliding in at the far post to turn the ball into the net and restore City’s advantage at 3-2.
The goal was Haaland’s 13th in nine appearances against Leipzig, making the German side his favourite opponent in terms of goals scored during his career.
City’s late advantage was far from comfortable, however, as Leipzig pushed forward in search of another equaliser.
David Raum came agonisingly close to finding the net when his free-kick struck the crossbar, leaving Donnarumma relieved after another uncomfortable moment in goal.
At the other end, Rayan Cherki also rattled the woodwork, striking the post as City threatened to put the contest beyond the hosts.
Despite the late pressure, Manchester City managed to hold on for all three points, ending their recent difficult run and securing an important Champions League victory away from home.
The result moved City to seven points in the league-phase standings, while Leipzig were left frustrated after twice recovering from a goal behind but ultimately failing to prevent Haaland from delivering the decisive blow.
