Manchester City held to a draw in Germany by gallant Leipzig

Manchester City player in action

UCL Manchester City held to a draw in Germany by gallant Leipzig

Faruq Ibrahim 23:35 - 22.02.2023

Manchester City failed to protect their lead, as they were held to a draw by Leipzig.

Manchester City failed to replicate their first-half dominance, in which they took the lead, as Leipzig overran them in the second-half to find an equaliser, drawing the game 1-1.

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Leipzig hosted the English champions at the Red Bull Arena in the first-leg of the Champions League round of 16 encounters. The visitors had them on the ropes in the early stages of proceedings, but they fought back to earn a draw.

Manchester City took the lead in the 27th minute of the game and held the advantage until the 70th minute, when Josko Gvardiol equalised for the hosts.

Manchester City remain the favourites heading into the second leg at the Etihad, but Leipzig have made their attempt at an upset easier as they denied the Cityzens a first-leg advantage at the Red Bull Arena.

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How it happened

Manchester City started the stronger of the two teams, threatening Janis Blaswich's goal early on but failing to beat the German shot-stopper. 

The German wall would finally be breached by the man flanked to City's left from a central incursion. Grealish pounced on a loose ball two-thirds of the way up the field before playing it through to Mahrez. The Algerian nutmegged the approaching defender before finishing brilliantly.

Mahrez fired Manchester City ahead
Mahrez fired Manchester City ahead

Leipzig started the second half with purpose and could have equalised in the 53rd minute of the game but for poor finishing from Benjamin Henrichs on multiple attempts. 

The hosts would not be denied any further as Croatia international Gvardiol rose highest to connect with a Marcel Halstenberg cross from a corner kick and thump the ball past a helpless Ederson. 

Manchester City had a late flurry as they pushed for an equaliser, but Blaswich was up to the task, ensuring his side picked up at least a draw for their gutsy display.  

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Manchester City miss KDB's creativity

For a game where Manchester City had over 60% of the ball, they only managed to create one big chance. 

Kevin de Bruyne missing from City's squad
Kevin de Bruyne missing from City's squad against Leipzig due to illness

The hosts passed the ball around and appeared to be lacking in the inventiveness that their Belgian talisman Kevin de Bruyne is known for.

The 31-year-old missed out on the squad list due to an illness, and City would rely on having him back in the second-leg at the Etihad to improve their chances of going through.  

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