Haaland seals Manchester City win at Leipzig

Manchester City secured a 3-2 win away to Leipzig in the Champions League, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive goal a little over 10 minutes from the end. City were not at their fluent best, but made their chances count when the match was in the balance.

The victory takes City into the Top 8 on 9 points, following two straight Premier League defeats and the loss of top spot, Mundo Deportivo reports. Leipzig, who had won every home match this season up to this game, remain on 3 points and have made progress to the next phase more difficult, the Spanish outlet adds.

City initially controlled the game, working forward patiently against a compact defence. Cherki registered the first attempt, but it went wide, and clear chances were slow to arrive. Leipzig grew into the contest and came close to taking the lead when Baumgartner’s shot narrowly missed the post.

The opening goal came from a long ball towards Haaland. The Norwegian pulled it back, and Lukeba turned it into his own net while trying to clear in the 37th minute. Leipzig came out strongly after the break: Donnarumma produced a fine save to keep out Baumgartner’s effort, which was heading for the top corner, and Banzuzi then narrowly missed the target. Haaland also drew a save from Vandevoordt, but the move was ruled out for offside.

Leipzig levelled twice. Foden’s cross was met by Enzo Fernández, whose header put City back in front in the 58th minute. Three minutes later, Nusa restored parity at 2-2 with a low, angled finish close to the post. Leipzig continued to press while City struggled to impose its game.

Haaland settled the contest by meeting Anderson’s cross to make it 3-2 with a little over 10 minutes remaining. Leipzig threatened again: a free kick from Raum struck the crossbar, and the woodwork later denied Doku a chance to extend City’s lead. Vandevoordt also made another save from Haaland, but City held on for the win.