Jorko Gvardiol scored an equalizer to prevent City’s victory.
RB Leipzig held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw in their Champions League game on Wednesday. The hosts kept their qualification hopes alive with a well-balanced performance.
Two different halves!
Man City started off as the better side while the hosts struggled to find their rhythm. Despite their control over the possession, however, the Citizens barely managed to create serious goalscoring chances.
Pep Guardiola’s men eventually got their deserved lead after a mix-up in Leipzig’s backline.
Jack Grealish latched onto a loose ball behind the box before passing to Ilkay Gundogan. The German then provided a perfect assist for Riyad Mahrez, who smashed the ball into the far corner with a precise shot.
Citizens made a few more attempts to increase their lead before the break. However, their main wave of attacks to get the second goal started at the beginning of the second half.
City attacked the hosts down both flanks but couldn’t break into their solid defensive structure. Leipzig effectively covered the gaps between their lines, constantly looking to launch counter-attacks.
The Roten Bullen eventually got their deserved equalizer when Marcel Halstenberg’s inch-perfect cross from the left side of the box found Josko Gvardiol. The Croatian defender then smashed the ball past Ederson with a towering header.
The hosts made three changes to their lineup after snatching the equalizer. Marco Rose’s side held on to their draw as City continued their midfield struggle until the end.
The two sides will meet again for the second leg on March 14.