Champions League
Leipzig leaves Manchester frustrated again
Despite a brace from Lois Openda (M), RB Leipzig had to admit defeat against Manchester City. photo
© Martin Rickett/PA Wire/dpa
Two halves, two different performances. In the end, RB Leipzig suffered its fourth defeat in the last six competitive games.
This time three goals were enough for RB Leipzig’s next painful experience Manchester City. Despite a 2-0 lead at the break after a brace from Lois Openda, there was frustration shortly after the game in England, reported RB professional Nicolas Seiwald.
“It’s clear that you can’t keep it like that for 90 minutes. But the fact that we conceded three goals in the second half is bitter,” said Seiwald after the 2:3. After all: the Bundesliga club was spared seven goals conceded like in the humiliation in March.
Fourth defeat
“We knew that we had to defend for a long time and be patient,” said keeper Janis Blaswich after the new defeat: “In the end it didn’t work.” As good as the performance was in the first half and as strong as the Champions League defending champions’ squad is, the bottom line is that Leipzig has suffered its fourth defeat in the last six competitive games. The defending champions are out of the cup and fifth in the league before matchday 13, eleven points behind league leaders Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
After all, the Leipzig team had already made it clear that they would make it into the knockout round of the European championship before the match in Manchester. After the defeat, first place is no longer possible when they play at home against Young Boys Bern on the last group game day on December 13th.
Seiwald said they could also take a lot of good things with them from the game against City: “That we can hold our own against top teams for over 45 minutes.” This now only has to be achieved for 90 minutes. Things should go better next Saturday at home against promoted team 1. FC Heidenheim.