Match Report: RB Leipzig 1-1 Manchester City (Champions League Last-16 First-Leg) | OneFootball

Manchester City were left frustrated after being held away to RB Leipzig in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie.

The visitors dominated the first half but only took a slender lead into the break thanks to a well taken goal from Riyad Mahrez after 25 minutes.

Leipzig hit back in the second half and after many near misses, they eventually drew level through a thumping Josko Gvdiol header that stole a draw for the hosts.

The result means that City have now failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches in all competitions.

Pep Guardiola’s side started the stronger with some heavy possession from the start but clear cut chances were few and far between.

After 25 minutes of domination, City finally made the hosts pay as Riyad Mahrez fired the Cityzens in front from distance.

Jack Grealish created the opportunity, passing to Gundogan who then in turn found the Algerian with Mahrez nutmegging a Leipzig player and finding the net emphatically.

Leipzig started the second period better than they did the first, carving a brilliant opportunity out that Benjamin Henrichs headed just over Ederson’s goal.

The hosts continued to threaten with Andre Silva going close to levelling the score but City’s Brazilian keeper produced a good save to stop the striker’s effort.

City attempted to hit back with Erling Haaland who surged through on goal but his shot went just wide of the goal.

Leipzig made their second half dominance count as Josko Gvardiol, who has been regularly linked with City, leaped to head home from a corner.

The Premier League champions looked to produce a quick response, but captain Ilkay Gundogan saw his great shot saved by Janis Blaswich.

Late appeals from City players for a penalty were turned down by the referee, however replays after the game showed Henrichs to have blatantly handled the ball in the 92nd minute.

The Blues tried to find a late winner but they failed in their quest, leaving the tie wide open for the return leg in Manchester.

City will host that game at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday 14th March with the tie winner progressing to the quarter-finals of the European competition.

Guardiola’s men are next in action on Saturday as they travel to Bournemouth for a Premier League clash on the south coast.