Manchester City welcomed German side RB Leipzig to the Etihad Stadium for a dramatic Champions League clash that ended in a 3-2 victory for the home team. The result strengthened City’s grip on top spot in Group G and reinforced their momentum heading toward the knockout stages.
The visitors hit the front early, with Loi Openda delivering a sharp double in the 13th and 33rd minutes. Leipzig opened a valuable two-goal cushion as the first half progressed, putting City under pressure and testing the home side’s resolve. Despite the setback, City were not deterred. They regrouped after the break and began to peg Leipzig back, showing the resilience that has become a hallmark of their campaign this season.
City’s comeback began shortly after the hour mark. In the 55th minute, Erling Haaland found the net to reduce the arrears and spark a renewed attacking impetus from the English champions. The equalizer followed soon after, as Phil Foden capitalized on a moment of creativity to draw the contest level in the 70th minute. The match took another dramatic turn when Julián Álvarez capped a sustained City pressure by forging the decisive goal, securing a hard-fought victory for the home side and delivering a clear statement of intent for the remaining group fixtures.
With this win, Manchester City maintained their perfect trajectory in Group G, moving to 15 points and reinforcing their position as favorites to advance to the knockout rounds. The result left RB Leipzig on nine points, still in second place and well positioned to reach the playoff stage with continued consistency in the remaining matches. The dynamics of the group write a vivid narrative about qualification, with both teams ensuring they control their own destiny in the approach to the later rounds.
Looking ahead, City are scheduled to face Red Star Belgrade in the sixth round of the group stage. The match is set for December 13 and is slated to begin at 20:45 Moscow time, offering another opportunity for City to consolidate their position. Leipzig, meanwhile, will meet Young Boys on the same day, with the kick-off also set for 20:45 Moscow time. These fixtures form a crucial chapter in the group’s ongoing competition, where every point can influence final standings and seedings for the knockout phase.
Beyond the match in Manchester, Champions League action continued to deliver notable moments, including Barcelona securing a firm victory over Porto in a contest that highlighted the depth and competitiveness of Europe’s elite competition. The broader narrative from these fixtures underscores the evolving balance of power across the group stages, where tactical innovation, patient buildup, and clinical finishing often decide outcomes in tight, high-stakes environments.