Haaland seals Manchester City win after Leipzig twice fight back

Erling Haaland scored a late winner as Manchester City edged past RB Leipzig 3-2 in a dramatic Champions League match on Wednesday, although the striker said his side must become more ruthless if they are to challenge for major honours.

City twice allowed Leipzig to level after taking the lead, before Haaland struck in the closing stages to secure three points and lift Enzo Maresca’s side into the top eight of the League Phase standings.

Leipzig made the brighter start at the Red Bull Arena, with Antonio Nusa testing Gianluigi Donnarumma early on. Rayan Cherki went close for City at the other end, shooting narrowly wide.

The visitors went ahead in the 37th minute after Nico O’Reilly sent a low cross into the area and Castello Lukeba turned the ball into his own goal. Haaland and O’Reilly then both missed chances to increase City’s advantage before half-time.

Ridle Baku restored parity four minutes after the restart, beating Donnarumma with a powerful finish at the near post.

City regained the lead through Enzo Fernandez, who met an excellent cross from Iliman Ndiaye with a header and found the net.

Their advantage lasted only three minutes. Substitute Christopher Nkunku created the opening for Nusa, who finished to make it 2-2 and set up a tense final period.

City continued to press for a winner and eventually found one through Haaland. The Norway international converted from close range after impressive work by Elliot Anderson, scoring his 13th goal against Leipzig in only nine appearances.

The result ended Leipzig’s 10-match winning run at the Red Bull Arena and gave Manchester City three victories from their first four Champions League matches.

Haaland, however, said City needed to take greater control after moving ahead in games.

“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,” he told TNT Sports.

He also stressed the importance of better coordination in possession and without the ball.

“Keeping the ball, when to keep it, when to go, working together offensively and defensively. You can always be better,” he added.

Haaland reserved particular praise for Anderson, whose contribution created the winning goal and followed an impressive beginning to his City career.

“He has been amazing. He has had an amazing start to his City career and that is what you expect,” Haaland said, while acknowledging the midfielder’s strong performances despite adapting to a new club and coach.

Manchester City’s attention now switches to the Premier League, with a trip to Nottingham Forest scheduled for Saturday. Haaland will be aiming to produce another influential display as Maresca’s side look to build on their European victory.