Erling Haaland scored a 78th-minute winner as Manchester City defeated RB Leipzig 3-2 in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, securing three important points after the hosts twice fought back to level the contest at the Red Bull Arena.
The Norwegian striker settled the five-goal encounter with 12 minutes remaining, converting a low cross from Elliot Anderson to restore City's advantage for the third time in the match.
The victory lifted Manchester City to seventh place in the Champions League league-phase standings with nine points from four matches, putting them inside the automatic qualification places for the Round of 16. It marked City's third win in four Champions League league-phase fixtures, providing a positive response following their recent domestic setbacks.
City had taken the lead in the 37th minute through an own goal by Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba, who inadvertently turned Nico O'Reilly's dangerous cross into his own net while attempting to clear the ball.
Despite going into the break trailing, Leipzig responded immediately after the restart and drew level in the 49th minute through Ridle Baku.
The German side capitalised on the momentum, with Baku catching goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma off guard by sending a low effort into the net from a tight angle on the right side of the penalty area.
City regained control of the scoreline in the 58th minute when Enzo Fernández headed home from close range, connecting with an inviting cross from Iliman Ndiaye to make it 2-1.
However, their advantage lasted only three minutes as Leipzig responded again through Antonio Nusa, who collected a pass from substitute Christopher Nkunku before firing a low finish into the bottom corner.
With the match level at 2-2, both sides continued searching for a decisive goal, but it was City who eventually found the breakthrough through their prolific striker.
Anderson delivered the decisive cross into the penalty area in the 78th minute, allowing Haaland to slide in and finish from close range past goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt.
The goal extended Haaland's remarkable scoring record against Leipzig to 13 goals in nine appearances, making the German side his most frequently scored-against opponent. It also took his tally to 62 goals in 61 Champions League appearances.
Leipzig pushed for another equaliser in the closing stages, with David Raum striking the crossbar from a free-kick as City came under pressure.
City also threatened to extend their lead, with Rayan Cherki hitting the woodwork before Leipzig had a late goal ruled out for offside, allowing the visitors to preserve their advantage through the closing minutes.
City will now turn their attention to their next European assignment against Napoli on November 24, as they look to maintain their position among the league phase's top eight teams and secure direct progression to the Round of 16
