Haaland Strikes Late as Manchester City Edge Seven-Goal Thriller Against Leipzig

Erling Haaland once again proved the nemesis of RB Leipzig, netting a decisive late goal to secure a breathless 3-2 Champions League victory for Manchester City at the Red Bull Arena.

The Norwegian striker tapped home from Elliot Anderson’s low cross with 12 minutes remaining, registering his 13th goal in just nine career appearances against the Bundesliga outfit—a personal best against any single opponent. The win halted City’s momentum loss following their weekend defeat to Brighton.

City endured a turbulent evening, leading twice but failing to assert control. They were gifted an early opener when Castello Lukeba turned the ball into his own net under minimal pressure, despite Leipzig enjoying the better of the first half, with Christoph Baumgartner and Antonio Nusa testing the visitors’ defence.

Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a fine stop to deny Baumgartner early in the second half, but moments later the goalkeeper was beaten at his near post by Ridle Baku, who cleverly tucked a finish inside the post from a tight angle when a cross seemed the inevitable option.

The match ignited from that point. Haaland, largely anonymous in the opening period with just three touches, saw his first sight of goal saved before Enzo Maresca’s side regained the lead. Enzo Fernandez arrived unmarked to power a header past the keeper from Iliman Ndiaye’s pinpoint delivery.

Parity was restored within three minutes as Nusa claimed the goal his performance deserved, drilling a low finish across Donnarumma into the bottom corner from inside the area.

Spurred by the setback, City produced their strongest spell of the contest, catalysed by the introduction of Jeremy Doku. Anderson, impressive throughout, turned provider for Haaland, who converted the winner from close range.

Both sides struck the woodwork in a frantic conclusion—David Raum for Leipzig and Rayan Cherki for City—but the visitors held firm to climb to seventh in the league phase standings.

‘Donnarumma unconvincing again’

Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones:

“Manchester City may have escaped Leipzig with three points, but Gianluigi Donnarumma is doing little to convince that he represents a reliable last line of defence.

“Another night, another collection of uncomfortable moments for the Italian. He was directly culpable for Leipzig’s equaliser, getting himself into a muddle when the situation demanded composure from a right-wing cross. It was a strange goal to concede.

“And it was hardly an isolated wobble. His handling looked uncertain on several occasions, while his decision-making invited pressure rather than easing it. David Raum nearly punished another moment of indecision when his free-kick rattled the crossbar, with Donnarumma looking anything but convincing.”

Haaland: ‘We have to step up’

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland:

“I think it is the most I have scored against a club. I have played so many times against them in the Champions League with City and Borussia Dortmund too. Leipzig is a good team so I am happy.”

On Elliot Anderson: “He has had an amazing start to his City career and that is what you expect. You have to come straight in and perform. It is not easy to come in, you need to adapt to new players and a new coach, so he has been impressive. Respect.”

On the team’s performance: “Not sure how many touches I had today, not the most, but what is most important is that I managed to help the team win. I think we need to step up a bit. When we were 1-0 up I think we needed to go at it, go for the second goal and then the third—that’s what we have to do. We have to work on that.”

Maresca: ‘We need to be careful with transitions’

Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca:

“Tough game in some moments. We controlled quite well but some moments we struggled. Champions League, Germany away, it’s tough so happy with the three points.

“They are well organised, they were aggressive and dangerous with the wingers. We needed to be careful on transition. Happy with the three points and now we recover and move on.”

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