RB Leipzig 1 Manchester City 1 A Champions League Round of 16 first leg recap
Manchester City paid a visit to Germany to face RB Leipzig in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout round. The match finished in a 1 1 draw at the Red Bull Arena, setting up a tight return in England for the second leg.
The Citizens traveled to Germany sitting in second place in the Premier League, behind Arsenal under Michael Arteta. They had hoped to overtake the Gunners in the table last weekend but settled for a share of the points after a 1 1 stalemate with Nottingham Forest.
Details and context follow.
- The two prior meetings between RB Leipzig and Manchester City in the Champions League last season produced a total of 12 goals across the two games, with City winning the first 6 3 and Leipzig returning the favor with a 2 1 victory in the return fixture.
- RB Leipzig has faced English opposition in the Champions League Round of 16 on three occasions. They beat Tottenham Hotspur in the 2019 20 campaign before losing twice to Liverpool in the 2020 21 rounds.
- Manchester City have a strong record against German clubs in the Champions League, losing only once in 18 encounters. That lone defeat came at the hands of RB Leipzig in last season group stage as City had already secured progression to the knockout phase.
- Among managers with more than 50 Champions League matches, Pep Guardiola holds the record for the highest win rate in the competition with a remarkable tally that reflects his teams ability to perform across Europe.
Minute by minute RB Leipzig versus Manchester City in the Champions League
Press conferences after RB Leipzig versus Manchester City Champions League clash
Postmatch comments highlighted strategic balance and tactical adjustments as both teams reflected on the opening leg. The exchanges underscored the depth of squad options available to Guardiola and the growing resilience shown by Leipzig under their coach.
Videos lineups and updates from RB Leipzig against Manchester City Champions League
Updates covered starting lineups, tactical setups and key moments from the match. The viewing audience could see the precise formations and substitutions that defined the contest.
EVENING LINEUPS FOR CITY
Ederson, Walker, Akanji, Ruben Dias, Aké, Rodri, Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Mahrez, Grealish and Erling Haaland
—Manchester City official account Feb 22 2023
Summary of RB Leipzig versus Manchester City Champions League
In a match that showed both sides capable of controlling phases of play the balance shifted as the game unfolded. Leipzig pressed aggressively in the first half while City found rhythm after the break, a pattern that bodes for a compelling second leg in Manchester. The result leaves the tie very much open with both teams still alive in the chase for a place in the quarterfinals and a chance to claim continental glory this season.
All figures and statistics from RB Leipzig against Manchester City Champions League
The data from the encounter highlighted the high tempo and pressing intensity that defined the game. Ball recoveries, passing accuracy and goal attempts painted a picture of two teams aware of the stakes and ready to execute game plans. These numbers will be read closely as the tie progresses in the second leg.
Source: Goal