Erling Haaland did not find the fault and City had to settle for a draw. ANNEGRET GREETINGS / REUTERS
Ultra-dominant in the first period, Pep Guardiola’s Skyblues trembled after the rest this Wednesday, in Leipzig, in the round of 16 first leg (1-1).
In a meeting where each team will have had its half-time, Leipzig and Manchester City could not decide this Wednesday, in Germany, during the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League (1-1). The decision will be made in three weeks in England. This first round was uneven. Guardiola’s players completely dominated the proceedings in the first act, with outrageous possession and some interesting situations. After a high recovery, Riyad Mahrez then came to reward the good start of his team with a cross shot from the surface (0-1, 27th). In a low block and unable to line up three passes, Leipzig suffered a lot and Rodri (30th) then Grealish (36th) had the opportunity to break. Without success (0-1 MT).
Change of face in the second half
Upon returning from the locker room, the Germans then offered something else with in particular the entry of Henrichs, very hard-hitting, on the right. However, Mahrez had the opportunity to make the break but his shot was pushed back in front of the goal line by Schlager (49th). A small miracle that will revive Leipzig with several situations in a few minutes through Henrichs (53rd, 55th) and André Silva (63rd). Cornered and unrecognizable compared to the first act, City ended up cracking on a header from Gvardiol after a corner played with two and a cross from Halstenberg (1-1, 70th). Behind, Gundogan gave a thrill (74th) but it was indeed a draw that the two teams parted ways at the Red Bull Arena. The decision will therefore be made in three weeks in Manchester.