Gvardiol header earns Leipzig deserved draw against Man City

Chris Heath

Joško Gvardiol equalised for RB Leipzig in the 70th minuteAFP

RB Leipzig and Manchester City will head into the 2nd leg of their Round of 16 UEFA Champions League tie all-square following a 1-1 draw at the Red Bull Arena. The result means Marco Rose’s side has only lost one of their last 21 matches across all competitions.

After losing only one of their last 17 Champions League matches against German opposition, incidentally coming against Leipzig in December 2021, Manchester City began the contest as the likelier to score the game’s opening goal as Rúben Dias headed straight at Janis Blaswich.

Having already tasted victory over defending champions Real Madrid at the Red Bull Arena in the group stages of this season's competition, Leipzig struggled to pose a threat in the final third, as Ederson remained an observant but alert figure in the City goal.

Showing no ill effects of losing their position at the top of the Premier League standings following a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, City’s dominance paid dividends in the 27th minute, as Jack Grealish seized upon Xaver Schlager’s mistimed pass before setting up İlkay Gündogan to slot in Riyad Mahrez to fire beyond Blaswich.

Man City celebrate after taking the leadAFP

Pursuing a second goal before half-time, an inspired Grealish wasted a golden opportunity as the England international fired over the bar from the edge of the area.

Without a goal in their last three knockout stage encounters before kick-off, Leipzig should have been level in the 53rd minute, only for half-time substitute Benjamin Henrichs to fire two gilt-edged opportunities wide of Ederson’s goal.

With a newly-found belief, Leipzig’s were rewarded for their endeavour in the 70th minute when defender Joško Gvardiol majestically rose above the City defence to authoritatively head Marcel Halstenberg’s cross home from close-range.

RB Leipzig players celebrate after Joško Gvardiol levels the tie in the 70th minuteAFP

Pursuing an immediate response, Leipzig were left indebted to Blaswich, as the Red Bulls’ shot-stopper instinctively diverted Gündogan’s strike away from the ever-so-reliable boot of the fast-approaching Erling Haaland.

A draw in Germany sets up the second leg in Manchester nicely, as Leipzig extend their head-to-head European record against Premier League clubs to four matches unbeaten. Meanwhile, Manchester City's concerning away form continues domestically and in Europe after registering only one victory in their last six games.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Jack Grealish (Manchester City)