Currently suffering from a run of relatively poor domestic form, Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League trip to Leipzig would be viewed as the perfect way to build momentum ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash against Arsenal.
RBL: Blaswich; Raum, Lukeba, Klostermann, Simakan; Schlager, Seiwald; Simons, Poulsen, Forsberg; Openda
MCI: Ederson; Gvardiol, Dias, Walker; Rodri, Akanji; Grealish, Foden, Lewis, Bernardo; Haaland
Manchester City managed to cut a composed figure throughout much of the first half, and it was Phil Foden that earned something to show for their dominance as he slammed a bouncing shot past Janis Blaswich – with Rico Lewis registering the assist from midfield.
Yet just moments after the break, RB Leipzig seemed to bring themselves back into the tie with their first – and only – shot on target. Racing through on goal, Lois Openda was able to slot past Ederson, with his strike taking a helpful deflection off the inside of the woodwork.
But City quickly regained control of the affair, and although Foden struck the post and Erling Haaland squandered a flurry of chances, Pep Guardiola’s side looked certain to win.
Their lead was restored by Julian Álvarez mere minutes after his introduction, with the Argentine forward played through by Jérémy Doku before stunning the goalkeeper with a strike that nestled beautifully in the top corner.
Embed from Getty ImagesAnd in the second minute of stoppage time, Doku’s favour was returned – with Àlvarez teeing up the Belgian this time as he darted forwards to seal the points with a late third goal.
