Manchester City hold off RB Leipzig as Haaland delivers decisive late strike

Manchester City survived a testing night in Germany to beat RB Leipzig 3-2 at the Red Bull Arena and claim their third win in the fourth round of the Champions League.

The result moved the English side to nine points, leaving them seventh in the competition standings. RB Leipzig remain on three points and sit 30th.

City took the lead in the 37th minute when Castello Lukeba turned Nico O’Reilly’s cross into his own net.

Despite dominating possession during the opening half, Manchester City struggled to create clear chances. They held 66% of the ball compared with Leipzig’s 34%, but managed only four attempts, with just one on target.

The hosts were more threatening for periods before the interval. RB Leipzig recorded six shots, two of them on target, and matched City’s eight touches inside the opposition penalty area.

RB Leipzig levelled four minutes after the restart, with Bote Baku scoring in the 49th minute. Manchester City restored their advantage in the 58th minute when Enzo Fernandez headed home.

The lead lasted only three minutes. Antonio Nusa brought Leipzig level again in the 61st minute, setting up a tense final half-hour at the Red Bull Arena.

Erling Haaland then produced the decisive moment in the 78th minute, scoring Manchester City’s third goal to settle a five-goal contest in favour of the visitors.

Leipzig were unable to find another equaliser, allowing City to return from Germany with all three points.