Haaland strikes late as Manchester City edge Leipzig 3-2 in five-goal thriller

Erling Haaland scored a 78th-minute winner as Manchester City beat RB Leipzig 3-2 in the Champions League on Wednesday 4 November 2026, a result that lifted them to seventh in the League Phase table and ended the German side's perfect home record.

City twice went in front at the Red Bull Arena and twice were pegged back before Haaland tapped in Elliot Anderson's low cross 12 minutes from time, according to Sky Sports. It was City's third win in four Champions League matches this season and a swift response to their defeat by Brighton on Saturday 31 October.

Two leads surrendered

The opening goal came in the 37th minute, and it came with help from the hosts. Castello Lukeba turned the ball into his own net to give City the lead, according to Manchester City's official report.

Leipzig, managed by former City defender Martin Demichelis, levelled soon after the restart. Ridle Baku equalised in the 49th minute, and the game then swung sharply in both directions.

Enzo Fernández restored City's advantage with a header in the 58th minute. Three minutes later Antonio Nusa made it 2-2, and the match was wide open again.

The woodwork was struck at both ends in the closing stages. David Raum's free-kick hit the crossbar for Leipzig and Rayan Cherki also hit the bar for City, according to the club's report. Neither side added to the scoring after Haaland's goal, and his tap-in proved decisive.

Haaland's habit against Leipzig

Sky Sports reported that Haaland had three touches in the first half. His telling contribution came late, and it was enough to decide the match.

According to Manchester City, the goal was his 13th in nine appearances against Leipzig and his 62nd in 61 Champions League appearances. RTÉ Sport reported on Thursday 5 November that it was also his 14th of the season.

"I think it is the most I have scored against a club," Haaland told Sky Sports. "I have played so many times against them in the Champions League with City and Borussia Dortmund too. Leipzig is a good team so I am happy."

He was candid about his own involvement and about what the team needs. "Not sure how many touches I had today, not the most but what is the most important is that I managed to help the team to win. I think we need to step up a bit."

Maresca happy with the points

Enzo Maresca did not pretend the performance had been comfortable. "Tough game in some moments," he told Sky Sports. "We controlled quite well but some moments we struggled. Champions League, Germany away, it's tough so happy with the three points."