RB Leipzig 2-3 Manchester City: Haaland makes lucky 13 to settle chaotic clash

RB Leipzig went into the clash with Manchester City to fear Erling Haaland in particular, and their worries were ultimately justified as the Norwegian talisman continued his fine record against the Bundesliga side to settle the Champions League tie.

Haaland had scored 12 times in their previous meetings with Leipzig and, despite being a largely peripheral figure on Wednesday, his long-range finish from Elliot Anderson’s superb cross earned City a 3-2 away win and became the first team to beat Leipzig at home this season.

After an own goal by Castello Lukeba, Ridle was able to put the Italians in the spotlight once again with Gianluigi Donnarumma, who scored Baku’s equalizing goal.

But going forward, City were a marvel in a typically thrilling encounter, with Enzo Fernandez restoring the lead with a brilliant header before Antonio Nusa fired wide from Donnrumma.

Unsurprisingly, Haaland has been City’s savior, putting them in a strong position as they look to finish in the top eight in the league stage. More scrutiny will be required going forward if City are to threaten a serious challenge for a second European crown.

Leipzig were better in the opening stages, with Haaland’s national team-mate Nuss threatening and a shot that Donnarumma couldn’t deal with, Christoph Baumgartner frantically hunting for his stick before pulling off a more convincing and effective stop from the City keeper.

Phil Foden then curled narrowly over at the other end, but City’s breakthrough came from a moment of ill-judged defending from Lukeba, who was unfortunate to see his attempt to deal with Nico O’Reilly’s pull-back end in his own net.

It marked Leipzig’s first goal conceded at home this season, but the hosts’ response after the break was impressive, with Noosa and Baumgartner making two more fine saves from Donnarumma.

However, Donnarumma, who recently came under scrutiny for his mistakes in the defeat at Aston Villa, was clearly at fault as Leipzig found a level.

Baku was released down the right and attempted an ambitious effort from a narrow angle, which Donnarumma somehow managed to beat at his near post.

Ezechiel Banzuzi hit the side netting as Leipzig tried to complete the turnaround, but they fell behind again when Fernandez met Iliman Ndiaye’s excellent cross from the left with an unstoppable header.

With Leipzig trailing just three minutes later, Nusa scored a deserved goal as he collected Christopher Nkunku’s lofted cross and beat Donnarumma with an unerring low drive.

Maarten Vandevoordt made a great stop to prevent Ryan Cherki from restoring City’s lead again, but he was unable to do anything as Anderson got down the right and produced a brilliant pass to put the ball on the board for Haaland to convert his 13th goal against Leipzig.

Still, City were rarely comfortable and the impressive David Raum crossed for Leipzig, although Enzo Maresca’s men finished on the front foot with Cherki and Haaland thwarted by Vandevoordt in a furious finish and City found it more difficult than they expected.

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