Manchester City shook off a mini-slump with a hard-fought 3-2 Champions League win at RB Leipzig on Wednesday. The visitors twice went ahead through a Castello Lukeba own goal and an Enzo Fernandez header, only to be pegged back by goals from Ridle Baku and Antonio Nusa. Erling Haaland scored the winner in the 78th minute, turning in an Elliot Anderson cross. This victory helped City bounce back from two consecutive Premier League losses.
Despite having scored more against Leipzig than any other opponents in his career, Haaland had few chances but was right on the spot to score the winner. He has now scored 13 times in nine matches against Leipzig, including a memorable five-goal performance in a 7-0 rout in March 2023. City coach Enzo Maresca praised Haaland, saying it's essential that he's on his game and can help the team score goals.
City were well below their usual best against a Leipzig side in a rebuilding process under new coach Martin Demichelis. Maresca, who arrived in the summer, conceded his side were still a "work in progress." He backed under-fire goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was out of position for Baku's equaliser, saying it's not a concern and that Donnarumma made a remarkable save earlier in the game.
Nusa's performance was a highlight for the hosts, with Haaland's Norway teammate now on six goals and seven assists in 14 matches this season. Nusa impressed early, forcing Donnarumma to tip a shot over the crossbar with 14 minutes gone. He also linked up with Christopher Nkunku to allow Antonio Nusa to cut a low shot across the face of goal and in.
City travelled to Germany having lost two Premier League games in a row for the first time since August 2025. Leipzig had won just one from three in the Champions League before Wednesday but had been excellent at home, winning five from five while scoring 19 goals without conceding once. Haaland was handed the captain's armband for the first time this season.
Nusa told TNT Sports that it's a pity Leipzig couldn't get more from the game, feeling they deserved more and ended up with zero points. Maresca acknowledged that City's performance was not their best but was pleased with the win. The game marked a significant moment for Haaland, who has consistently performed well against Leipzig.
City's win over Leipzig comes as they look to regain their form after a couple of setbacks. The team's ability to secure a win despite not being at their best will be a confidence booster. The match also highlighted the talent of young players like Nusa, who is making a name for himself in the football world.
Key points
- Erling Haaland scored the winning goal in Manchester City's 3-2 Champions League win at RB Leipzig.
- Manchester City bounced back from two consecutive Premier League losses with the win.
- Antonio Nusa impressed for Leipzig, scoring a goal and providing an assist.
