Man City vs RB Leipzig HIGHLIGHTS: Manchester City seemed poised for their first defeat in the UEFA Champions League at the Etihad since 2018 as Lois Openda capitalised on defensive errors, securing two first-half goals for RB Leipzig to put them in the driver's seat. However, Erling Haaland narrowed first narrowed City's deficit before Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez's strikes secured Manchester City Group G's top spot as they went on to win the match 3-2.
Openda capitalised on two defensive errors from City, seizing the opportunity for both Leipzig goals. His first goal came in the 13th minute, as he swiftly sprinted onto a long ball from goalkeeper Janis Blaswich that sailed over Manuel Akanji, exploiting the defensive lapse. Openda struck again in the 33rd minute, displaying apparent ease as he manoeuvred around Ruben Dias before finding the net with confidence.
Nine minutes into the second half of the Man City vs RB Leipzig clash, Erling Haaland spearheaded the comeback, shortly after Pep Guardiola had introduced Julian Alvarez and Jeremy Doku to invigorate the team's offensive strategy. Phil Foden then equalised for City 16 minutes later, setting the stage for Alvarez's decisive late goal, securing City's advancement to the last-16 of the Champions League as Group G winners.
Haaland Becomes Fastest Player To Reach 40 Champions League Goals
Erling Haaland's pivotal goal, marking the beginning of the comeback, not only propelled City forward but also secured a milestone for him. His goal in this match enabled him to surpass Ruud van Nistelrooy's record as the fastest player to reach 40 Champions League goals, achieving this feat in just 35 games. Additionally, Haaland also surpassed his contemporary rival Kylian Mbappé's record as the youngest player to attain 40 goals in this prestigious competition.
City have an impressive record at home in the Champions League, winning 27 of their last 29 games since their last defeat. Leipzig, however, had been on the receiving end during this streak, succumbing 7-0 on their previous visit to the Etihad in March. City boss Guardiola was dismayed by his team's first-half display, dominated by errors from usually dependable players Akanji and Dias.
Meanwhile, Leipzig, having already secured their last 16 spot, now face the prospect of challenging opponents like Barcelona or Real Madrid in the knockout stages.