Haaland hits 40 in the Champions League as Man City comeback beats Leipzig

RB Leipzig’s German defender #16 Lukas Klostermann (L) vies with Manchester City’s Norwegian striker #09 Erling Haaland during the UEFA Champions League Group G football match between Manchester City and RG Leipzig at the Etihad Stadium, in Manchester, north west England, on November 28, 2023. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Erling Haaland became the fastest player to score 40 Champions League goals as Manchester City came from 2-0 down to beat RB Leipzig 3-2 on Tuesday.

The defending champions were on course for their first European defeat at the Etihad since 2018 when Lois Openda took advantage of shambolic defending to score twice in the first half.

Haaland reduced City’s arrears before goals from Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez secured top spot in Group G.

Despite having already secured their place in the last 16, Pep Guardiola still named a strong side with his focus on winning the group.

But the Catalan coach headed down the tunnel at half-time shaking his head at what he had seen from the European champions.

City dominated possession and territory but were undone by two moments of carelessness from the normally reliable Manuel Akanji and Ruben Dias.

The in-form Openda showed his poise after Akanji let the Belgian latch onto a long ball from Leipzig goalkeeper Janis Blaswich to finish past Stefan Ortega.

Haaland uncharacteristically snatched at a great chance to equalise as the Norwegian blasted over and Rico Lewis was also wayward with a clear sight of goal.

But as City camped in the Leipzig half, one more long ball caught out Guardiola’s men as Dias dived in and Openda galloped clear to score his 13th goal of the season.

Guardiola reacted at the break as Nathan Ake replaced Dias.

But it was not until two more changes with the