Manchester City remains among the top contenders for the UEFA Champions League during the 2022-2023 season. Guided by Pep Guardiola, the club has consistently reached the late stages, finishing as finalists in 2021 and reaching the semi-finals in 2022, which reinforced their standing as a major force on the European stage. The arrival of Erling Haaland provided a sharp focal point in attack, turning City into a team with persistent goal threat and a proven scorer capable of altering outcomes in an instant. The Norwegian striker brought a blend of physical presence, precise finishing, and smart movement that meshes with City’s possession-oriented style. Observers noted how Haaland could convert chances that might have been missed before, adding a new dimension to Guardiola’s already flexible approach.
Champions League 2022-2023: when it starts, qualified teams, draws, format and calendar
What result does Manchester City need against RB Leipzig to reach the quarter-finals in the 2022-2023 Champions League
The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw in Germany, leaving City in a position where a victory in the return leg would secure progress to the quarterfinals. Winning the tie would eliminate any doubt, advancing them on aggregate. It is important to note that a draw could still push the contest into extra time, and a penalty shootout would decide the outcome if additional play was required. A defeat would end City’s European campaign for that season, eliminating them from the competition. The knockout format means City could advance with a drawn result after regulation time if the earlier result provided an advantage, but the most straightforward path is a home win to remove late drama. The result hinges on City’s ability to maintain defensive discipline while leveraging the attacking edge provided by Haaland and teammates, with Leipzig aiming to exploit any lapse in City’s back line. Momentum shifts and the capacity to convert chances under pressure are decisive factors in shaping the finale of this high-stakes clash.
Note: The discussion around this Champions League tie reflected the consensus across major football outlets at the time, including ongoing live coverage from outlets like Goal and similar publications that tracked the tie and assessed each team’s prospects.