(Football news) Manchester City were held by RB Leipzig in a 1-1 draw. Pep Guardiola surprisingly didn’t start in a 3 at the back and instead went with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Phil Foden was once again left on the bench as was teenager Rico Lewis. Jack Grealish started for the 8th game in a row while the in-form Riyad Mahrez was on the opposite wing with Erling Haaland up top. Marco Rose on the other hand kept Christopher Nkunku on the bench as he has just returned from a serious injury. Youssuf Poulsen was also benched as was left back David Raum. 

Manchester City started the game on top as they had the bulk load of possession in the 1st half. City’s first big chance was in the 27th minute and it was a goal. Ilkay Gundogan set up Riyad Mahrez with a really good flick. Manchester City had a couple of decent opportunities to double their advantage but the score remained 1-0. Leipzig looked very negative in the 1st half but that all changed after the break. Lukas Klosterman was taken off at halftime as Benjamin Henrichs came on. Leipzig started to play with much more authority as Manchester City were largely chasing the ball.

The home side turned up the heat as the game became much more end to end in the 2nd half. Christopher Nkunku came on in the 66th minute for Emil Forsberg which was an attacking change. The equaliser came in the 70th minute as Jasko Gvardiol scored from Marcel Halstenberg’s corner. The match ended at 1-1 as neither team created a good enough chance. Erling Haaland had a day to forget as he just didn’t get the ball enough. Despite not being at their best, Pep Guardiola didn’t make a single substitution. Manchester City are still favourites to go through but with the result Leipzig will definitely be much more confident for the return leg at the Etihad.

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