RB Leipzig center-back Joško Gvardiol played a vital role in stifling the threat of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, before going on to score the equalizer himself and earn his team a 1-1 draw.
During the first half of the match, City dominated proceedings, with Riyad Mahrez scoring the only goal of the half in the 27th minute after Ilkay Gundogan flicked through a pass from Jack Grealish. Despite City’s control, Haaland failed to get a sight on goal, and had only seven touches in the first half, none of which came in Leipzig’s penalty area.
As the second half progressed, Haaland grew increasingly frustrated, and City lost control of the game. Leipzig became more aggressive and intense and began to create better chances. Gvardiol’s extra effort paid off when, in the 70th minute, he nodded home a cross from Marcel Halstenberg to score an unguarded goal and level the score.
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The draw leaves the match finely balanced heading into the second leg on March 14 in Manchester, with City looking to win their first Champions League title.
After the match, Guardiola expressed his disappointment at seeing his team throw away their advantage after a first-half performance that could have led to more than just Mahrez’s 20th Champions League goal.
Leipzig will be hoping to repeat their previous success against City, who routed them 6-3 in a wild group-stage game in the Champions League last season. Christopher Nkunku, who scored a hat-trick in that game, may be fit to start the second leg, and City will have Kevin De Bruyne available again after his absence due to illness in the first leg.
Overall, Gvardiol’s excellent defensive performance and his crucial goal will give Leipzig confidence heading into the second leg, while City will need to improve if they want to progress to the next round.