RB Leipzig 2-3 Man City: Haaland strikes late to secure crucial Champions League victory
Erling Haaland scored a late winner as Manchester City secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday evening. The Norwegian striker struck in the 78th minute after Leipzig had twice fought back to level the scores, helping City return to winning ways and move into the top eight of the league-phase standings.
An own goal from Castello Lukeba and an Enzo Fernandez header had twice put Enzo Maresca's side ahead before Haaland settled an entertaining contest in Germany. Leipzig started brightly at the Red Bull Arena, with Antonio Nusa forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma into an early save after cutting inside and shooting from distance.
Rayan Cherki then dragged an effort narrowly wide at the opposite end before Christoph Baumgartner threatened with a curling strike from outside the penalty area. City struggled to create clear opportunities despite enjoying spells of possession, but they took the lead in fortunate circumstances after 37 minutes.
Nico O'Reilly delivered a low cross into the penalty area, where Lukeba inadvertently diverted the ball beyond goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt. Haaland and O'Reilly subsequently missed headed opportunities to extend City's advantage before half-time.
Leipzig emerged with greater urgency after the restart, and Donnarumma produced an excellent save to deny Baumgartner from distance. However, the Italian goalkeeper was beaten shortly afterwards when Ridle Baku exploited space at his near post to equalise.
City responded positively and regained their advantage in the 57th minute through Fernandez, who powered home a header from Iliman Ndiaye's precise delivery. Their lead lasted only three minutes as substitute Christopher Nkunku released Nusa, who finished clinically to bring Leipzig level for a second time.
The hosts threatened to complete the turnaround, but City gradually regained control and began creating opportunities of their own. Cherki was denied by Vandevoordt as the visitors increased the pressure heading into the closing stages.
The decisive breakthrough arrived in the 78th minute when Elliot Anderson advanced down the flank and delivered a low cross for Haaland to finish at the back post. It was the Norwegian's 13th goal in just nine appearances against Leipzig, continuing his remarkable scoring record against the German club.
Cherki, Jeremy Doku and Haaland threatened to add another goal, but City ultimately held on to secure all three points. The victory ended Leipzig's 10-match winning streak at home and gave City their third Champions League win in four league-phase fixtures.