Phil Foden’s creativity and Erling Haaland’s record-breaking strike inspire City’s comeback victory at the Etihad.Despite a challenging first-half performance, Manchester City managed to secure a 3-2 victory over RB Leipzig at the Etihad Stadium, ensuring they finished top of Group G in the Champions League. The holders fought back from a 2-0 deficit, with Phil Foden involved in all three of City’s goals, including two assists and a brilliant solo effort. Erling Haaland also set a new record, becoming the fastest player to score 40 goals in the competition.
Leipzig had gone into the game with their spot in the knockout stages already confirmed, just like City, but there was still plenty of pride at stake, particularly after last season’s humbling 7-0 loss at the same venue. Leipzig started aggressively, testing City’s backup goalkeeper, Stefan Ortega, early on. Xavi Simons had a close chance early, but his shot went wide.
The visitors then capitalised on a mistake from City’s defence. A long ball from Leipzig’s goalkeeper, Janis Blaswich, caught Manuel Akanji off guard, allowing Lois Openda to break free and slot the ball past Ortega for the opener. City were nearly caught out again as Openda struck again just before half-time, finishing another long ball with great composure.
City, however, responded in the second half, with a quick turnaround. Foden set up Haaland for a record-breaking strike, the Norwegian reaching 40 goals in just 35 Champions League appearances. Foden then scored himself, evading a defender and calmly finishing past Blaswich to level the score.
Leipzig weren’t done yet, though. Fabio Carvalho thought he had given the visitors the lead again when he scored shortly after coming on, but the goal was ruled offside. This proved to be a costly mistake, as City completed their comeback just minutes later. Foden, showing excellent footwork, spun in the box and passed to Julian Alvarez, who slotted home the winning goal.
The result means that City remain unbeaten in their Champions League campaign, with Foden’s performance particularly standing out.
