RB Leipzig suffered a bitter blow in the Champions League even without another gala goal from Manchester City’s wonder striker Erling Haaland. Against the initially overpowering defending champions, the DFB Cup winners ultimately lost the second game of the group phase 1:3 (0:1) after improving their performance in the second round and suffered their first defeat after seven games without defeat.
But Leipzig on Wednesday prevented a debacle like the one in the round of 16 last season, when City humiliated the Saxons 7-0 with five goals from wonder striker Erling Haaland. Haaland, who was unlucky this time, failed to score, instead Phil Foden (25th) and then substitute Julian Alvarez (84th) and Jeremy Doku (90th + 2) scored for the reigning Champions League winners. Lois Openda (48th) was successful for RB.
Leipzig coach Marco Rose changed his team to two positions compared to the 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich. National player Lukas Klostermann played at right-back for Benjamin Henrichs (muscle injury). In the center, Nicolas Seiwald was preferred over Kevin Kampl. In addition to Haaland, central defender Josko Gvardiol, who moved to England from Leipzig in the summer, also started for Manchester.
ManCity dominates in the early stages
A little more than half a year after the 7-0 defeat, Leipzig initially began with less awe. With early pressing, RB forced a few ball losses in the opening minutes, but Leipzig played the transition moments too poorly.
The Saxons continued to wait for the Citizens to make mistakes – and had to exercise more and more patience. Guardiola’s team impressed with their enormous ball security and pinned the Bundesliga team in their own half. RB tried to close the rooms in time when the guests quickly moved sideways and often just ran after them.
If Manchester made it into the penalty area, it was always extremely dangerous: first Rico Lewis and Bernardo Silva failed in a double chance (14th), then Phil Foden missed after a strong individual performance (19th). A little later, the England international was successful after a strong combination – the lead was well deserved.
Leipzig seemed overwhelmed and had little to counter Manchester offensively. Instead, City pushed for the second goal. Haaland, who rarely appeared, missed from a tight angle (31′). Leipzig only released themselves from the great pressure at the end of the first half.
Leipzig better after the break
Leipzig got off to a dream start in the second half. After winning the ball in midfield, RB countered in their own stadium, Openda hit the City goal with the first shot and turned the game on its head.
The equalizer created security. Leipzig got into the duels better and thus managed to relieve the pressure. However, Manchester always posed great danger. Haaland (57th) had the lead again, Foden (63rd) hit the crossbar with a free kick. RB had further counterattack opportunities – but only Alvarez and Doku scored for City.