Manchester City paid the price for failing to dominate as much as possible in their first half as they were held to a draw by RB Leipzig in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.
The away side were in complete control in the first 45 minutes and got the breakthrough midway through the half when LK Gundogan pounced on a mistake in defense and fed Riyad Mahrez to drive into the back of the net.
But RB Leipzig came out with more ambition in the second half and twice went close to equalizing early on through Benjamin Hinrichs, who headed the first before just beating Ederson.
The Manchester City goalkeeper was once again called upon to deny Andre Silva at his near post but the hosts were finally rewarded for their increased pressure when Josep Guardiola headed over from a short corner.
Janis Blasovic denied Gundogan to restore the visitors’ lead moments later with a reflex save from close range, while City were denied a penalty late on when Heinrichs appeared to be handled inside the area, but Leipzig held on to secure the draw.
City, bidding to end their wait for a first Champions League trophy, will look to get the job done in the return leg on Tuesday, March 14.
City frustrated again
An away draw in Europe’s knockout stages should be considered a very decent result, but City boss Pep Guardiola will probably be disappointed that his side once again failed to dominate their first half.
They went into the game looking to respond after holding Nottingham Forest at the weekend, conceding again in the second half after scoring before the break.
They controlled the proceedings in the early stages of the game as Leipzig rarely advanced beyond their own half and after Mahrez’s goal it seemed just a question of how many more City would score.
But despite their possession dominance, City struggled to create many chances, not helped by Kevin De Bruyne’s absence through illness.
Erling Haaland struggled to make an impact on his return in Germany, but really should have scored with one of his few chances in the second half before dragging his shot well wide.
But while City may be disappointed not to come away with a win, they will be confident of a return to form at the Etihad where they have won 17 of 19 games this season.
Should City have had a penalty?
Leipzig will rightly be delighted to get a draw given their attacking play improved so much in the second half, but City will be aggrieved that they didn’t have the chance to grab a last-gasp winner.
With seconds remaining, Mahrez sent the ball into the box following a short corner and as the ball headed towards goal from Rodri, Henriques appeared to push it out of his hands.
There was no sign of a VAR check before the full-time whistle.
