RB Leipzig, Germany Dec. 8 (BNA): Leipzig scored in each half to beat already qualified Manchester City 2-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday, securing a place in the Europa League and taking 14 matches for the English club unbeaten. Running against German teams in the competition.
With interim coach Achim Berlorzer on the bench after Jesse March’s sacking on Sunday, Leipzig finished third in Group A in the final round, ahead of Club Brugge, who lost 4-1 to second-placed Paris St Germain. Read more
Leipzig finished with seven points, three points behind bottom club Brugge. City came out on top with 12 points, one point ahead of Paris Saint-Germain, Reuters reported.
City, who made seven changes to the team that beat Watford in the Premier League at the weekend, defended vigorously but Dominic Zubuszlai managed to cut through a Konrad Laimer ball to get close to goalkeeper Zach Stephen in the 24th minute.
The hosts, who are playing without any fans due to COVID-19 restrictions, came close to a second but Emil Forsberg’s first shot was blocked by Stephen and soon afterwards the City goalkeeper made a reflex save to deny Andre Silva from close range.
Leipzig counterpart Peter Golassi responded with a superb sprint of his own in the 40th minute, fingering Phil Foden’s shot to drive it to the post.
City looked more lively after the break but RB Leipzig scored against the game with a well-placed Silva shot in the 71st minute after City lost the ball in their own half.
The visitors responded after six minutes with Riyad Mahrez heading for his fifth goal in six Champions League matches, but their return did not last long as Kyle Walker received a red card for kicking Silva from behind.
The expulsion means the City defender will face a ban when he resumes his Champions League campaign in February.