Erling Haaland scored 12 minutes from time to give Manchester City a 3-2 win at RB Leipzig in a thrilling Champions League contest.
The Norway striker converted Elliot Anderson’s low cross from close range to settle a match in which City were twice pegged back. It was Haaland’s 13th goal in nine appearances against Leipzig – more than he has scored against any other opponent in his career.
The victory also returned Manchester City to winning ways after Saturday’s defeat by Brighton.
City took the lead in the first half through a remarkable own goal. Castello Lukeba turned the ball into his own net while Leipzig were otherwise enjoying the better of the opening period, with Christoph Baumgartner and Antonio Nusa both going close.
Manchester City were unable to build on that advantage, however, and Leipzig began the second half with renewed pressure. Gianluigi Donnarumma made an excellent save to keep out Baumgartner, but the goalkeeper was beaten moments later at his near post.
Ridle Baku appeared to be preparing to send a low cross into the middle, only to surprise Donnarumma with a clever finish from a tight angle and bring Leipzig level.
The game opened up after Baku’s equaliser. Haaland, who had managed only three touches in a quiet first half, was denied when his first opportunity arrived.
Manchester City restored their lead when Enzo Fernandez made a well-timed run into the penalty area and powered a header into the net from Iliman Ndiaye’s precise cross.
Leipzig responded almost immediately. Within three minutes, Nusa scored the goal his performance had threatened, driving a low shot across Donnarumma and into the bottom-right corner from inside the box.
City then produced their strongest spell of the match, with substitute Jeremy Doku helping to increase the pressure. Anderson supplied the decisive pass for Haaland, who was left with a simple finish from close range.
The visitors still had to survive a frantic conclusion. Leipzig’s David Raum and Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki both struck the woodwork as both sides continued to threaten before the final whistle.
The result gave Manchester City a hard-earned victory in a match they had led twice, while Haaland again proved decisive against a familiar Bundesliga opponent.
