Leipzig –
There are no winners between duels RB Leipzig vs Manchester City in the first leg of the Round of 16 Liga Champions. Both teams played equally strong with a final score of 1-1.
RB Leipzig host Man City at the Red Bull Arena on Thursday (23/2/2023) in the morning WIB. The Citizens went ahead thanks to Riyad Mahrez’s goal in the first half.
However, Leipzig made Man City overwhelmed after halftime. The Red Bulls appear dominant before finally creating a goal back from Josko Gvardiol.
Furthermore, the two teams will determine their fate in the decisive match. Man City took turns to host when RB Leipzig visited the Etihad Stadium to play the second leg in early March.
[Gambas:Opta]
Course of the Match
Man City had the ball, but the first chance only arrived in the 14th minute. Crossing Riyad Mahrez into the middle of the penalty box was greeted by Ruben Dias with a header. The ball was easily caught by Janis Blaswich.
GOAL! Manchester City broke the deadlock in the 27th minute. Riyad Mahrez broke into the RB Leipzig goal to change the score to 1-0.
Xaver Schlager’s pass was cut by Ilkay Guendogan and then forwarded with a through ball. Mahrez outwitted Leipzig’s back line before finishing with a left-foot shot from inside the penalty box.
A dangerous opportunity was created by Man City three minutes later. A corner kick was headed by Rodri then the ball rolled in front of the Leipzig goal. Erling Haaland standing near the far post failed to reach the ball.
Bernardo Silva penetrated into the penalty box then sent a pass to Grealish who was not guarded on the left. The last named player continues with a shot but the ball is off the mark.
RB Leipzig was finally able to get out of the pressure to create chances. Timo Werner escapes from the control of Man City’s back line and shoots with his right foot, even though Ederson is still quick to catch the ball. The first half is over, the score is 1-0 for Man City’s advantage.
After halftime, RB Leipzig almost scored the equalizing goal. Benjamin Henrichs’ header beat Ederson’s guard but the ball only lodged in the top side of Man City’s net.
Henrichs wasted another golden opportunity. Dominik Szoboszlai fired in a low cross that put Henrichs one on one with Ederson. Henrichs continued his kick to the far post, the ball went wide!
GOAL! RB Leipzig equalized the score at 1-1 in the 70th minute. At the start of the corner kick situation, Marcel Halstenberg released a gastric bait in front of the goal. Josip Gvardiol rose high to meet the ball with a header that beat Ederson’s mark.
Three minutes later, Manchester City pressed RB Leipzig. Grealish passed Henrichs before sending a pass for Ilkay Guendogan. The latter followed up with a first-time shot which forced Blaswich into a fine save.
During injury time, Man City’s threat from a corner was denied by Blaswichh. RB Leipzig then tried to counterattack quickly but failed to create a chance after the referee blew the long whistle.
Score 1-1 last until the game is over.
Player lineup
RB LEIPZIG: Janis Blaswich, Halstenberg (Room 89′), Orban, Klostermann (Heinrichs 46′), Gvardiol, Forsberg (Nkunku 66′), Laimer, Schlager (Haidara 82′), Szoboszlai, Andre Silva (Poulsen 82′), Timo Werner
MANCHESTER CITY: Ederson, Walker, Ake, Reuben Dias, Akanji, Guendogan, Rodriguez, Bernardo Silva, Grealish, Mahrez, Haaland
Watch Video “Guardiola Beware of Leipzig’s Transitions and Middle Line“
(rin/nds)
